#rpT 


LIBRARY 

®lvf0la9ical  ^cmittary, 

PRINCETON,  N.  ./ 

No.  Case, 


No.  Shelf,  .--i,. 

No.  Book, --'X*?----/ 

bUi, 


Rev.  W.  B.  SPRAGUE,  D.D. 


Sept:  1839.  % 


^^Uevtion.  Vol,  ^4^ 


V-.',  . ,i  >' V ? . 

4'*-‘  , 


A 


HISTORICAL  OUTLINE 

see*  stiS-sT- 

OP  THE 


^tnrtriciin  Coloni^ition  Societfit 

AND  REM.ARKS 


ON  THE 

ADVANTAGES  AND  PRACTICABILITY 


COLONIZING  IN  AFRICA 


THE 


FREE  PEOPLE  OF  COLOR  FROM  THE  UNITED  STATES 


TROit  THE  NORTH  AMERICAN  REVIEW  FOR  JANUARY,  1824 


iJoston : 

O.  EVERETT,  13  CORNHILL. 
1824. 


Press  of  the  North  American  Review. 


COLONIZATION  SOCIETY 


The  Sixth  Annual  Report  of  the  American  Society  for  Co- 
lonizing the  Free  People  of  Color  of  the  United  States  > 
with  an  Appendix.  Washington  City,  1823. 

If  we  should  be  thought  to  come  forward  at  a late  hour, 
in  noticing  the  labors  of  a Society,  formed  in  this  country 
more  than  seven  years  ago,  for  the  purpose  of  adopting  some 
efficient  plan  of  colonizing  the  free  people  of  color,  we  trust 
our  negligence  will  be  attributed  to  any  other  cause,  than  a 
want  of  deep  interest  in  the  objects  of  the  Society,  or  indiffe- 
rence to  the  zeal  with  which  these  objects  have  been  pursued. 
The  broad  foundation  on  which  the  schemes  of  this  Society 
are  built,  as  well  as  the  character  of  its  patrons,  raises  it  to 
an  importance,  not  to  be  claimed  by  any  other  private  asso- 
ciation in  this  country.  Its  aims  have  a pointed  bearing  on 
our  pohtical  concerns,  and,  if  successful,  cannot  fail  to  ope- 
rate most  favorably  on  our  civil  institutions,  and  our  domestic 
peace  and  happiness. 

Coming  to  us  in  this  shape,  and  patronized  as  it  is  by 
some  of  our  most  enlightened  statesmen  and  disinterested 
philanthropists,  the  Colonization  Society  demands  of  those, 
who  would  judge  with  fairness,  to  examine  dispassionately, 
not  its  history  and  details  only,  but  its  purposes  and  princi- 
ples, not  the  failures  which  it  may  have  suffered  from  acci- 
dents or  inexperience,  but  the  motives  by  which  it  is  actuated. 


4 


Colonization  Society. 

and  the  objects  which  it  would  attain.  Such  an  examination 
we  are  disposed  to  give  it.  What  has  this  Society  done  i* 
What  advantages  can  be  expected  from  its  success.^  Are 
its  designs  practicable  ? By  what  means  can  they  be  best 
promoted  ? To  these  general  topics  our  inquiry  shall  be 
directed. 

The  plan  of  colonizing  the  free  people  of  color,  in  some 
place  remote  from  the  United  States,  originated  in  the  legis- 
lature of  Virginia  nearly  twenty  years  ago.  A correspond- 
ence on  the  subject  was  entered  into  between  Mr  Munroe, 
then  governor  of  Virginia,  and  Mr  Jefferson,  President  of  the 
United  States.  The  purpose  of  this  correspondence  is 
explained  in  a letter  from  Mr  Jefferson,  written  ten  years 
afterwards,  and  published  among  other  documents  appended 
to  the  First  Annual  Report  of  the  Colonization  Society.  It 
appears,  that  the  governor  of  Virginia,  at  the  request  of  the 
legislature,  consulted  the  national  executive  on  the  best 
means  of  procuring  an  asylum  for  the  free  blacks  of  that 
State,  and  of  establishing  a colony  where  they  might  assume 
a rank  and  enjoy  privileges  from  which  the  laws  and  struc- 
ture of  society  must  forever  prohibit  them,  in  their  present 
situation.  Mr  Jefferson  proposed  to  gain  them  admittance 
into  the  establishment  at  Sierra  Leone,  which  then  belonged 
to  a private  company  in  England,  or,  in  case  this  should  fail, 
to  procure  a situation  in  some  of  the  Portuguese  settlements 
in  South  America.  He  wrote  to  Mr  King,  then  our  minister 
in  London,  to  apply  to  the  Sierra  Leone  Company.  This 
application  was  made,  but  without  success,  on  the  ground 
tliat  the  Company  was  about  to  dissolve,  and  give  up  its 
possessions  to  the  government.  An  attempt  to  negotiate  with 
the  Portuguese  government  proved  equally  abortive,  and  no 
further  active  measures  were  taken. 

The  legislature  of  Virginia,  however,  ceased  not  to  hold 
fast  its  original  purpose.  The  subject  was  from  time  to  time 
discussed,  till,  in  the  year  1816,  a formal  resolution  was 
passed,  authorizing  the  executive  of  the  state  to  correspond 
with  the  President  of  the  United  States,  soliciting  his  aid  in 
procuring  a situation  for  colonizing  the  free  blacks,  and  such 
as  might  afterwards  be  emancipated.  The  senators  and 
representatives  in  Congress  from  Virginia,  were  requested  to 


Colonization  Society.  o 

lend  their  exertions  in  advancing  this  object.  ]\Ir  Mercer,  in 
his  address  at  the  first  annual  meeting  of  the  Colonization 
Society,  observed,  that  ‘ this  resolution  passed  the  popular 
branch  of  the  legislature  of  Virginia  with  but  nine  dissenting 
voices  out  of  one  hundred  and  forty  six ; and  a full  quorum 
of  the  senate,  with  but  one.  It  was,  in  fact,  but  a repetition 
of  certain  resolutions,  which  had  been  unanimously  adopted 
by  the  same  legislature,  though  in  secret  sessions,  at  three 
antecedent  periods  in  the  last  seventeen  years.  It  was  truly 
the  feeling  and  the  voice  of  Virginia.’  The  legislatures  of 
Maryland,  Tennessee,  and  Georgia,  followed  the  example  of 
Virginia,  and  adopted  a resolution  of  the  same  import.  The 
doings  of  these  four  states  were  mentioned  with  approbation 
in  the  report  of  a committee  of  Congress,  although  the  great 
object  at  which  they  pointed,  the  plan  of  colonization  under 
the  patronage  of  the  government,  seems  never  to  have  engaged 
the  deliberations  of  the  national  councils. 

The  first  person,  as  far  as  we  can  learn,  who  conceived 
the  notion  of  forming  a society  for  colonizing  the  free  blacks, 
was  the  Rev.  Dr  Finley  of  New  Jersey.  This  gentleman 
had  long  felt  a warm  interest  in  the  condition  of  this  class  of 
our  population,  and  had  consulted  his  friends  on  the  best 
mode  of  providing  for  them  a country  and  a home  beyond 
the  limits  of  the  United  States.  He  finally  settled  it  in  his 
mind,  that  Africa  was  the  most  suitable  place  for  such  a 
colony.  In  December,  1816,  he  went  to  Washington,  where 
he  began  in  earnest  to  put  his  j)lan  in  execution,  wrote  a 
pamphlet  to  recommend  it  to  the  public,  applied  in  person 
to  several  members  of  Congress,  and  citizens  of  Washington, 
and  at  length  succeeded  in  causing  a few  persons  to  listen  to 
his  representations  and  embrace  his  views.  On  the  21st  of 
the  same  month,  several  gentlemen  convened  to  consider  the 
subject,  when  the  meeting  was  opened  by  an  address  from 
Mr  Clay,  explaining  its  object,  and  setting  forth  the  advan- 
tages, which  might  be  expected  to  result  from  a colonization 
society.  He  was  followed  by  Mr  Randolph  and  other  gen- 
tlemen, who  accorded  with  him  in  sentiment.  A committee 
was  appointed  to  prepare  a constitution,  which  was  adopted 
tlie  week  following,  and  Judge  Washington,  of  the  Supreme 
C ourt,  was  chosen  president  of  the  Society. 


6 


Colonization  Society. 

On  Dr  Finley’s  return  to  New  Jersey,  the  legislature  was 
in  session  at  Trenton,  and  by  his  exertions,  an  auxiliary  so- 
ciety was  formed,  which  received  the  cordial  support  of 
several  members  of  the  legislature.  About  this  time  he  was 
chosen  president  of  Franklin  College,  at  Athens,  Georgia,  to 
which  place  he  soon  after  repaired.  For  some  months  his 
health  had  been  on  the  decline,  and  he  died,  we  believe,  in 
Georgia,  before  the  close  of  the  next  year.* 

Immediately  after  the  organization  of  the  Society,  it  was 
determined  to  send  out  two  agents  to  explore  the  western 
coast  of  Africa,  and  seek  for  the  best  position  to  commence 
a colony.  Samuel  J.  Mills  and  Ebenezer  Burgess  were 
appointed  to  this  enterprise,  and  they  sailed  for  England  in 
the  latter  part  of  November  1817.  It  was  deemed  advisable 
to  visit  England  on  their  way,  for  the  purpose  of  gaining  a 
favorable  reception  at  the  colony  of  Sierra  Leone,  of  esta- 
blishing a friendly  intercourse  with  the  African  Institution  at 
London,  and  of  obtaining  such  knowledge  as  would  be  essen- 
tially important  in  preparing  them  for  their  inquiries  on  the 
coast  of  Africa.  By  Judge  Washington  they  were  provided 
with  a letter  to  the  Duke  of  Gloucester,  the  president  and 
zealous  patron  of  the  African  Institution,  who  received  them 
with  kindness,  proffered  assistance,  and  expressed  an  interest 
in  the  benevolent  undertakings  of  the  American  Colonization 
Society.  Mr  Wilberforce,  whose  name  is  so  intimately 
blended  with  all  the  schemes  of  humanity,  which  the  last 
thirty  years  have  witnessed  in  favor  of  the  degraded  Africans, 
was  assiduous  in  his  attention  to  the  agents,  and  active  in 
forwarding  their  designs.  He  introduced  them  to  Lord 
Bathurst,  Secretary  of  State  for  the  Colonial  Department,  who 
gave  them  a letter  of  introduction  and  recommendation  to 
the  governor  of  Sierra  Leone.  In  their  letters  from  England, 
the  agents  also  acknowledged  themselves  under  obligations  to 
Lord  Gambier,  Lord  Teignmouth,  and  many  other  gentlemen 
of  eminence  and  worth,  who  approved  their  design,  and  from 

* Dr  Finley  was  educated  at  Princeton  College,  under  the  celebrated  Dr 
Witherspoon.  He  was  respected  as  a scholar,  and  esteemed  as  a faithful 
pastor,  and  amiable  and  benevolent  man.  His  pamphlet  above  mentioned 
speaks  well  for  liis  understanding  and  his  education.  See  Memoirs  of  Dr  Fin~ 
ley,  page  82. 


7 


Colonization  Society. 

whom  they  received  marks  of  kindness.  While  in  London 
they  were  moreover  furnished  by  Count  Schimmelman,  late 
minister  of  state  in  tlie  kingdom  of  Denmark,  with  a letter 
from  the  Colonial  Department  of  the  Danish  government, 
recommending  them  to  the  protection  and  assistance  of  the 
governors  of  the  Danish  Colonies  in  Africa. 

Under  auspices  thus  favorable,  they  sailed  from  the  Downs 
on  the  2d  of  February  1818.  They  first  landed  at  St  Mary’s, 
a village  on  the  banks  of  the  Gambia,  and  near  its  mouth. 
Ten  days  afterwards  they  arrived  at  Sierra  Leone.  Go- 
vernor Macarthy  was  absent  on  a visit  to  the  Gambia,  and 
Lord  Bathurst’s  letter  was  delivered  to  the  Chief  Justice  of 
the  colony.  Shortly  after  their  arrival,  the  agents  met  the 
principal  members  of  what  is  called  the  Friendly  Society,  or 
an  association  composed  wholly  of  colored  people,  instituted 
at  the  suggestion  of  the  celebrated  Paul  CufFee,  and  consisting 
for  the  most  part  of  colonists  whom  he  had  carried  out  from 
the  United  States.  These  persons  were  highly  gratified  with 
the  statements  of  the  agents,  and  two  leading  men,  Kizell  and 
Martin,  who  were  well  acquainted  with  the  country,  offered 
to  accompany  them  as  interpreters  and  guides  down  the 
coast,  introduce  them  to  the  chiefs,  and  assist  in  negotiating 
for  lands  in  the  island  of  Sherbro,  or  any  other  place  which 
should  be  thought  preferable.  A sloop  of  fifteen  tons  was 
engaged,  men  sufficient  to  work  it,  all  Africans,  w^ere  em- 
ployed, and  provisions  laid  in  for  an  absence  of  four  weeks. 

Thus  equipped  they  sailed  out  of  the  harbor  of  Sierra 
Leone,  and  on  the  next  day  found  themselves  in  sight  of  the 
Bananas.  As  the  headman  of  these  islands  was  understood 
to  have  some  influence  with  the  kings  of  the  Sherbro,  it  was 
deemed  good  policy  to  pay  their  respects  to  him  in  passing ; 
and  to  make  these  the  more  acceptable,  they  were  accompa- 
nied by  the  valuable  consideration  of  a few  bars  of  tobacco 
and  gunpowder.  Caulker,  for  this  was  the  headman’s 
name,  was  pleased  with  their  tokens  of  respect,  and  promised 
his  interest  in  their  behalf.  They  next  arrived  at  the  plan- 
tains, where  the  headman,  who  had  liyed  six  years  in  Eng- 
land, received  them  very  civilly,  but  expressed  apprehensions 
that  the  colonists,  if  they  once  had  footing  in  tlie  country, 
might  find  it  convenient  to  extend  their  territory  too  rapidly, 


s 


Colonization  Society. 

and  be  troublesome  to  their  neighbors.  He  cited  the  instance 
of  Sierra  Leone  as  a foundation  for  his  fears,  but  on  the 
whole  was  willing  an  experiment  should  be  made. 

Several  other  kings  were  visited  on  the  way  down  to  the 
Sherbro.  The  agents  had  the  good  fortune  at  Bendou  to  find 
not  only  Somano,  the  king  of  the  place,  but  Safah,  another  king, 
whose  dominions  they  would  have  been  obliged  to  seek  out. 
It  w'as  no  sooner  told  to  Somano,  that  two  ambassadors  from- 
America  desired  an  audience,  than  he  summoned  them  to 
appear  at  the  palaver  house.  When  they  approached,  the 
king  was  seated  in  his  place.  ‘ Safah  soon  made  his  appear- 
ance, marching  along  between  the  mud  walled  cottages, 
dressed  in  a silver  laced  coat,  a superb  three  cornered  hat,  a 
mantle  around  his  neck  hanging  nearly  to  the  ground,  blue 
bafta  trowsers,  considerably  the  worse  for  the  wear,  and 
without  stockings  or  shoes.  Somano  was  dressed  in  a com- 
mon gown  and  pantaloons,  with  hat  and  shoes.’  After  a 
formal  introduction  to  the  kings,  and  shaking  hands  with  all 
the  men  and  women  collected  around  the  palaver  house,  it 
was  remembered  that  the  presents  were  unluckily  left  on 
board  the  sloop,  and  the  kings  had  no  words  to  speak  till 
these  were  produced.  Kizell  was  despatched  to  bring  them  ; 
but  there  was  a greater  difficulty  yet  to  come.  When  the 
articles  intended  for  the  presents  were  spread  before  the 
kings,  they  discovered  only  one  jar  of  rum.  They  refused 
to  be  moved  by  so  small  a temptation  to  open  the  palaver, 
insisting,  that  as  there  were  two  kings  it  was  unworthy  of 
their  regal  dignity  to  deliberate  on  affairs  so  important,  with- 
out a bottle  of  rum  for  each.  Kizell  was  again  sent  to  the 
sloop,  and  all  obstructions  were  removed  by  producing  an- 
other bottle.  The  kings’  ears  were  then  unsealed,  and  they 
were  ready  to  hear  what  their  visitors  had  to  propose.  The 
notion  of  a colony  did  not  strike  them  favorably ; they  had 
fears  of  encroachments ; they  referred  to  Sierra  Leone,  and 
spoke  of  a war  growing  out  of  that  settlement,  wdiich  deprived 
king  Tom  of  his  territory.  No  serious  objections  were  raised, 
however,  and  the  result  was,  that  Somano  and  Safah  would 
acquiesce  in  the  decision  of  their  superior,  king  Sherbro.  It 
was  only  urged  as  indispensable,  that  should  an  arrangement 
be  made,  they  should  have,  among  other  things,  ‘ a silver 
headed  cane,  and  especially  a black  horsetail,  furnished 


9 


Colonization  Society. 

with  an  elegant  handle.’  This  latter  article  is  a badge  of 
royalty,  without  which  no  prince  can  pretend  to  much  rank, 
or  hope  for  authority  and  respect. 

We  next  find  our  party  at  Yonie,  the  residence  of  king 
Sherbro,  chief  man  of  the  country.  The  king  was  absent, 
but  Kong  Couber,  a man  of  consequence,  gave  an  audience 
to  Kizell  and  Martin,  who  were  clothed  with  the  office  of 
avant-courieres  to  the  agents.  Kong  Couber  received  them 
affably,  and  listened  wiUi  attention,  but  ventured  no  decided 
opinion.  He  said  a council  of  the  headmen  must  be  called, 
in  which  the  king  would  preside,  and  the  subject  would  re- 
ceive the  consideration  it  deserved.  Accordingly  the  next 
day  notice  was  given,  that  the  king  would  hold  a palaver,  and 
hear  the  words  of  the  strangers.  They  waited  on  him  at  the 
appointed  time,  and  found  him  prepared  for  business,  dressed 
in  a calico  gown,  with  a cap  and  three  cornered  hat  on  his 
head.  The  council  convened  under  a cola  tree  ; the  presents 
were  displayed  on  a mat  in  the  centre  of  the  circle  ; the  usual 
ceremonies  were  gone  through  ; king  Sherbro  was  seated  in 
his  regal  chair,  with  a silver  headed  cane  in  one  hand,  and  a 
horsetail,  the  visible  token  of  his  kingly  power,  in  the  other. 
The  agents  explained  their  instructions,  told  him  they  wanted 
lands  for  people  in  a far  country,  whose  ancestors  were 
natives  of  Africa,  and  who  would  come  and  settle  quietly  in 
the  dominions  of  king  Sherbro. 

The  object  of  their  visit  being  thus  made  known  in  detail, 
Kong  Couber,  who  acted  as  his  majesty’s  prime  minister, 
replied,  that  their  words  were  very  good,  but  told  them  with 
disapprobation,  that  they  had  stopped  at  the  Bananas,  and 
consulted  Caulker  and  other  chiefs  before  they  came  to 
Yonie.  After  this,  how  could  they  say,  that  they  were  com- 
missioned to  treat  directly  with  king  Sherbro  ? This  unex- 
pected question  was  answered  rather  awkwardly  by  the  agents, 
who  could  only  apologize  that  they  were  unacquainted  with 
the  customs  of  the  country,  and  but  indifferently  informed  as 
to  the  gradation  of  rank  among  the  kings.  Kong  Couber 
was  not  satisfied,  but  considered  it  a disrespect  to  Sherbro, 
that  they  should  first  go  to  the  other  kings,  and  especially  was 
he  displeased,  that  these  kings  did  not  send  presents,  or  come 
themselves  to  consult  the  great  king.  It  was  concluded  that 
nothing  should  be  done,  at  least,  till  Somano  and  Safah  were 

n 


10 


Colonization  Society. 

present,  and  the  council  broke  up  with  an  order  from  the 
king  to  send  a special  messenger  to  require  their  attendance. 

This  point  was  not  so  easily  effected.  The  remains  of  an 
old  feud  with  Sherbro  still  lingered  in  the  minds  of  these  two 
chiefs,  and  they  could  not  readily  be  prevailed  on  to  engage 
in  the  palaver.  After  a week’s  delay,  other  messengers  were 
sent ; Somano  and  Safah  arrived  ; the  old  differences  between 
the  parties  were  settled  at  a private  council,  and  the  day 
came  when  the  kings  declared  themselves  ready  to  hold  the 
grand  palaver. 

‘ We  went  on  shore,’  says  Mr  Mills,  ‘ and  found  all  assembled 
under  the  cola  tree.  Sherbro  was  seated  in  his  armed  chair,  with 
Somano  on  his  right  hand  and  Safah  on  his  left,  holding  the  insignia 
of  his  office,  the  silver  headed  cane  and  the  horsetail.  Kong  Cou- 
ber  sat  on  a mat  before  Sherbro.  Mr  Burgess,  Kizell,  and  myself, 
sat  facing  the  kings.  After  shaking  hands  with  the  kings  and 
princes,  Mr  Kizell  said,  “ We  are  come.”  Kong  Couber  replied, 
“ We  see  you  ; we  are  glad  ; we  love  you  ; we  do  not  hate  you ; 
you  are  strangers  among  us  ; we  love  your  country ; we  are  friends ; 
we  love  peace  as  you  do  ; war  is  not  good.  But  when  you  came 
from  the  headmen  of  your  country  to  Sherbro,  where  is  the  letter 
you  brought  to  Sherbro?”  We  answered, that  we  had  instructions 
to  visit  Sherbro,  and  consult  with  the  kings  of  the  country ; but  as 
king  Sherbro  was  not  personally  known  in  our  country,  no  letter  was 
addressed  to  him.  He  afterwards  said,  if  we  had  come  in  our  ship 
directly  to  Yonie,  they  could  give  us  an  answer,  and  asked  Kizell, 
if  his  father,  the  governor  of  Sierra  Leone,  did  not  send  him  with  us. 
Kizell  said  the  governor  did  not,  as  he  was  absent  at  the  Gambia ; 
besides,  the  people  of  Sierra  Leone  were  free  to  go  where  they 
pleased,  without  asking  their  father.  I replied,  that  we  came  to 
Sierra  Leone  strangers  to  all  the  people,  and  finding  our  friends, 
Kizell,  Martin,  and  Anderson,  to  be  acquainted  with  the  language 
and  kings  of  the  country,  we  invited  them  to  come  with  us.  Kizell 
said  he  had  a letter  from  a friend  in  England  to  assist  us ; besides, 
if  strangers  to  king  Sherbro  arrive  at  Sierra  Leone,  it  was  not  fit 
to  let  them  stand  alone,  but  come  and  introduce  them. 

‘ Kong  Couber  said,  “ The  country  belongs  to  all  the  kings  and 
people ; we  cannot  sell  land  unless  we  see  them  all.”  We,  in 
reply,  urged  the  necessity  of  a definite  answer,  that  we  might  carry 
their  good  words  to  our  people,  or  go  to  other  kings,  who  would 
give  us  a good  answer.  We  inquired  whether  the  headmen  and 
people  could  not  be  assembled  before  we  went  away.  Kong  Cou- 
ber answered,  it  was  the  busy  season  of  the  year,  the  rains  were 
coming  on,  the  people  were  clearing  their  plantations,  and  sowing 


11 


Colonization  Society. 

their  rice ; the  kings  were  poor,  and  must  work  as  well  as  the 
people ; the  people  could  not  be  called  together  unless  there  was 
something  to  set  before  them.  If  we  had  goods  to  buy  lands,  and 
people  to  sit  down,  they  would  call  the  headmen  together.  After 
much  palaver,  and  a forcible  recapitulation  of  the  objects  of  our 
visit,  we  inquired,  “What  answer  shall  we  carry  to  our  people  of 
color  ? Will  king  Sherbro  receive  his  children  ?”  “ Yes,  we  cannot 
hate  them,  we  will  receive  them.”  ’ 

Thus  ended  the  council  of  the  kings,  and  at  the  request  of 
Kong  Couber,  the  words  of  Sherbro  tvere  written  in  two 
books,  one  to  be  retained  by  him,  and  the  other  by  the  agents. 
The  parting  was  amicable,  and  it  was  understood,  that  when 
the  people  arrived  with  goods  to  pay  for  land,  the  kings  and 
headmen  would  supply  them  according  to  their  wishes. 

The  agents  visited  other  places  among  the  islands,  and  on 
the  opposite  coast,  especially  the  Bagroo  river,  which  empties 
into  a bay  opposite  to  the  island  of  Sherbro.  The  country 
on  the  banks  of  the  Bagroo  is  fertile,  and  soon  rises  into  high 
lands  and  mountains  in  the  interior.  Everywhere  the  people 
were  friendly,  and  several  of  the  chiefs  offered  land,  and  pro- 
tection to  settlers  as  far  as  their  authority  extended.  After 
an  absence  of  five  weeks  the  agents  returned  to  Sierra  Leone, 
and  in  a few  days  sailed  for  England.  Mr  Burgess  arrived 
in  the  United  States  on  the  22d  of  October  following ; but 
his  worthy  companion,  Mr  Mills,  whose  energy  and  zeal  had 
contributed  much  to  the  success  of  the  mission,  was  not 
destined  to  return ; he  died  on  his  passage  from  the  coast  of 
Africa. 

The  information  collected  by  the  agents  was  encouraging 
to  the  friends  of  colonization,  and  induced  the  managers  of 
the  Society  to  concentrate  their  exertions  to  the  single  pur- 
pose of  establishing  a settlement  in  the  Sherbro,  or  at  some 
post  in  the  vicinity.  They  made  preparations  for  sending 
out  a vessel  with  such  free  persons  of  color,  as  might  volun- 
tarily embark,  and  appointed  Mr  Crozer  as  agent  to  super- 
intend the  affairs  of  die  colonists,  negotiate  for  lands,  and 
form  such  temporary  regulations,  as  might  be  necessary  in 
the  incipient  stages  of  the  colony.  The  expenses,  wdiich 
had  been  incurred  by  the  managers,  had  more  than  absorbed 
the  funds  arising  from  subscriptions ; but  an  appeal  to  the 
citizens  of  Baltimore,  by  some  of  the  zealous  friends  of  the 


12 


Colonization  Society. 

Society,  was  followed  by  liberal  donations  from  several  muni- 
ficent, public  spirited  individuals  of  that  city,  and  with  this 
timely  assistance  the  managers  were  enabled  to  prosecute  the 
work  they  had  begun,  till  the  formation  of  auxiliary  societies 
in  different  parts  of  the  country,  had  brought  a larger  amount 
of  means  to  their  disposal.* 

In  the  progress  of  these  events,  the  benevolence  of  the 
Society  was  also  turned  to  another  quarter.  By  an  extra- 
ordinary oversight  in  the  laws  of  Congress  respecting  the 
slave  trade,  thirty  four  natives  of  Africa,  who  had  been 
recaptured,  and  carried  into  a port  of  Georgia,  were  left 
unprotected  after  their  release,  and  advertised  to  be  sold 
according  to  the  laws  of  the  state.  Mr  Meade,  the  Society’s 
agent,  immediately  repaired  to  Georgia  by  the  direction  of 
the  managers,  and  arrived  in  time  to  prevent  the  sale,  and 
provide  for  the  restoration  of  these  unfortunate  Africans  to 
their  native  country.  After  discharging  this  office  of  humani- 
ty in  May,  1819,  Mr  Meade  travelled  as  agent  in  various 
parts  of  the  United  States,  and  was  the  means  of  establishing 
several  auxiliary  societies. f 

* The  following:  is  an  extract  from  a letter  written  by  Mr  Mercer  and  Mr 
Key,  to  Elias  B.  Caldwell,  Esq.  Secretary  of  the  Colonization  Society,  dated 
August  1st,  1818.  ‘ In  conformity  with  the  wishes  of  the  board  of  Managers, 

we  proceeded  as  far  as  Baltimore,  on  our  way  to  the  north,  intending,  if 
necessary,  to  prolong  our  tour  to  Boston.  The  liberality  of  Baltimore,  of 
which  the  annexed  list  of  subscribers  affords  an  interesting  testimony,  render- 
ed it  unnecessary,  that  we  should  proceed  further,  in  order  to  obtain  the  funds 
immediately  required  by  the  mission  to  Africa.’  Second  Annual  Report, 
Appendix,  p.  121. 

t The  abolition  act  of  1807  threatens  against  offenders  imprisonment  and 
fines,  as  well  as  the  condemnation  of  any  vessel  engaged  in  violating  the  law. 
The  purchaser  or  seller  of  any  person  of  color,  who  should  be  imported  into, 
the  United  States,  is  subject  to  a forfeiture  of  eight  hundred  dollars  for  every 
person  thus  sold  or  bought.  The  following  remarkable  proviso,  however,  is 
attached  to  this  part  of  the  act ; ‘ that  the  aforesaid  forfeiture  shall  not  extend 
to  anv  seller  or  purchaser  of  any  negro,  mulatto,  or  person  of  color,  who  may 
he  said  or  disjwsed  of  in  virt  ue  of  any  regulation,  which  may  hereafter  be  made 
by  any  of  the  legislatures  of  the  several  slates,  in  that  respect,  in  pursuance  of 
this  act,  and  the  constitution  of  the  United  States.’  This  clause  refers  to  ano- 
ther preceding  it  in  the  act,  by  w hich  it  is  declared,  that  no  one  shall  hold  any 
right  or  title  to  any  person  or  persons  of  color  brought  into  the  United  States 
in  violation  of  the  law,  but  that  these  persons  ‘ shall  remain  subject  to  any 
regulations,  not  contravening  the  provisions  of  th.is  act,  which  the  legislatures 
of  the  several  slates  or  territories,  at  any  time  hereafter,  may  make  for  disposing 
of  any  such  negro,  mulatto,  or  person  of  color.’ 

On  this  part  of  the  act  the  state  of  Georgia  put  a most  extraordinary  con- 
struction. In  devising  means  to  provide  for  persons  of  color,  who  might  be 
illegally  introduced  into  the  state,  the  legislature  passed  a law,  empowering 


13 


Colonization  Society. 

By  a law  of*  Congress  passed  March  3d,  1819,  for  the 
more  effectual  suppression  of  the  slave  trade,  the  President 
was  authorized  to  send  government  agents  to  reside  on  the 
Coast  of  Africa.  Mr  Samuel  Bacon  and  Mr  John  P.  Bank- 
son  were  appointed.  These  gentlemen  went  out  as  passen- 
gers in  the  Elizabeth,  a vessel  chartered  by  the  Colonization 
Society,  which  sailed  from  New  York  in  the  month  of  Feb- 
ruary, 1820,  having  on  board  Mr  Crozer,  and  eighty  eight 
colonists  under  his  charge.  The  first  intelligence  from  the 
agents,  after  they  reached  the  coast  of  Africa,  exhibited  their 
prospects  in  a flattering  light ; but  the  bright  hopes,  and  joyful 
anticipations  thus  excited,  were  soon  to  be  clouded  with  dis- 
appointment, and  damped  with  sorrow.  By  some  unaccount- 
able mismanagement,  which,  if  it  will  suffer  an  explanation, 
will  hardly  admit  an  apology,  the  Elizabeth  was  allowed  to 
sail  at  such  a season,  as  to  arrive  on  the  coast  at  the  very 
commencement  of  the  rains.  It  required  but  a slender 
knowledge  of  African  geography  to  ensure  the  conviction, 
that  nothing  could  be  more  rash,  than  to  subject  a northern 
constitution  to  such  a trial,  and  more  especially  on  the  low 
shores  of  the  Sherbro,  confined  in  bays  where  the  only  resto- 
rative influence,  the  refreshing  sea  breezes,  could  rarely 
come. 

These  things  considered,  we  are  not  to  be  surprised,  that 
the  next  vessel  from  Africa  brought  the  melancholy  news  of 
the  death  of  the  three  agents,  and  more  than  twenty  of  the 
colonists.  They  were  carried  off  by  the  fever  of  the  climate, 

the  Governor  to  ‘ cause  the  said  negroes,  mulaltoes,  or  persons  of  color  to  be 
sold,  after  giving  sixty  days  notice  in  a public  gazette,  in  such  manner  as  hg 
may  think  best  calculated  for  the  interest  ol'  the  state.’  Sales  under  this  law 
have  accordingly  been  made,  and  the  proceeds  rendered  to  the  state  treasury. 
Another  case  could  not  occur,  perhaps,  in  which  any  state  could  pass  a law 
in  conformity  with  the  letter  of  a law  of  Congress,  and  at  the  same  time 
do  such  violence  to  its  spirit.  It  is  a law  to  encourage,  rather  than  abolish 
slavery ; and  if  it  do  not  impeach  the  humanity  of  the  statesmen  of  Georgia, 
it  argues  little  for  their  invention,  that  they  could  not  contrive  a better  mode 
of  disposing  of  the  unfortunate  human  beings,  whom  the  crimes  of  their  fellow 
creatures  had  torn  from  their  homes,  and  thrown  unprotected  into  the  arms  of 
strangers. 

It  is  but  fair  to  add,  however,  that  the  same  act,  which  authorized  these  sales, 
gave  permission  to  the  Colonization  Society  to  receive  such  recaptured  Afri- 
cans, as  might  be  subject  to  the  above  law,  and  return  them  to  their  own  coun- 
try, after  paying  all  the  expenses  which  the  state  had  incurred  on  their  account. 
It  was  under  the  encouragement  held  out  by  this  redeeming  clause  in  the  act, 
that  the  Society  sent  Mr  Meade  on  a mission  to  Georgia.  See  Third  Annual 
Jtfport,  p.  II. 


14 


Colonization  Society. 

heightened  by  exposure,  fatigue,  anxiety,  and  want  of  medi- 
cal assistance.  After  Mr  Crozer’s  deatli,  who  sickened 
almost  all  soon  as  he  arrived,  no  physician  remained.  Thus 
deprived  of  their  guides,  the  colonists  became  desponding  and 
disorderly,  refused  to  submit  to  any  authority,  and,  to  fill  up 
the  hours  of  idleness,  betook  themselves  to  stealing  and  quar- 
relling. Daniel  Coker,  a colored  man,  who  had  been  for 
some  years  a preacher  in  Baltimore,  was  their  nominal 
leader  ; but  the  spirit  of  insubordination  had  gone  abroad,  and 
was  not  to  be  quelled.  Mr  Bacon  had  bought  a schooner, 
which  contained  the  stores  for  the  colony,  and  of  which 
Coker  contrived  to  keep  possession.  After  leaving  a portion 
of  the  stores  and  provisions  with  the  emigrants,  he  departed 
with  the  schooner  for  Sierra  Leone,  where  Captain  Wads- 
worth, of  the  United  States  ship  John  Adams,  found  him  on 
the  6th  of  October. 

In  addition  to  the  fatality  of  circumstances,  serious  and 
unexpected  difficulties  arose  from  the  character  of  the  colo- 
nists. They  were  admitted  with  too  little  discrimination  j 
vice  and  insubordination  showed  themselves  on  the  voyage 
out ; and  a large  portion  of  them  considered  emigration  as 
only  a release  from  labor,  and  a claim  on  the  society  for  sup- 
port. The  experience  of  the  managers  has  remedied  evils 
from  these  sources,  and  they  will  not  be  likely  again  to  occur. 

When  the  agents  arrived  at  Sherbro,  they  found  things 
much  altered  since  the  visit  of  their  predecessors.  The 
smooth  and  meek  Kizell,  who  was  a prime  leader  in  the 
Friendly  Society,  and  professed  so  lively  an  interest  in  the 
former  mission,  who  played  the  hypocrite  so  artfully  by  his 
devotions  on  the  sabbath,  and  by  his  daily  reprehensions  of 
the  slave  trade,  and  the  bad  habits  of  his  neighbors ; this 
man  proved  in  the  end  a treacherous,  wily  deceiver ; with 
more  knowledge  and  experience  than  the  surrounding  natives, 
he  was  not  a whit  behind  them  in  his  vices.  By  having  the 
confidence  of  the  agents  and  colonists  at  first,  he  was  able 
to  practise  on  them  the  greater  imposition.  As  for  king 
Sherbro,  and  his  minister  of  state,  Kong  Couber,  we  hear  no 
more  of  the  ‘ book,’  which  was  left  with  them  at  their  request 
two  years  before.  The  book  was  lost,  and  its  words  forgot- 
ten. A contract  was  made  for  lands  on  the  Bagroo  by  Mr 
Bacon  ; and  part  of  the  goods  given  in  payment,  but  after  his 


15 


Colonization  Society. 

death  the  contract  was  declared  to  be  broken,  and  the 
goods  were  not  returned.  Nor  do  we  learn  that  Somano  and 
Safah  came  to  demand  the  regal  badge,  which  they  coveted 
so  much  at  the  hands  of  Mr  Burgess,  or  to  redeem  the 
pledge  of  friendship  so  cordially  proffered.  In  short,  after 
the  agents’  death,  the  conduct  of  the  colonists  was  such,  that 
they  were  neither  respected,  loved,  nor  feared  by  the  natives, 
and  no  just  ground  of  hope  was  left,  that  a peaceful  establish- 
ment could  be  made  either  in  the  Sherbro,  or  Bagroo  coxintry. 
Captain  Wadsworth  advised  Coker  to  return  to  the  Sherbro, 
and  sent  to  his  assistance  on  board  the  schooner  two  midship- 
men, and  a boat’s  crew  of  ten  men.  All  attempts  at  negotia- 
tion with  the  natives  proving  unsuccessful,  and  there  being  no 
authorized  agent  to  take  charge  of  the  colonists,  they  went 
back  in  the  schooner  to  Sierra  Leone,  and  solicited  ihe  pro- 
tection of  the  governor,  till  further  instructions  should  be 
received  from  America.  The  governor  acceeded  to  their 
proposal,  and  granted  them  the  asylum  they  desired. 

At  the  beginning  of  the  year  1821,  the  brig  Nautilus  sailed 
from  Norfolk,  having  on  board  two  government  agents,  Mr 
Winn  and  Mr  Bacon,  who  were  to  be  stationed  on  the  coast 
of  Africa.  In  the  same  vessel  went  out  Mr  Andrus  and 
Mr  Wiltberger,  agents  for  the  Colonization  Society,  and  with 
them  twenty  eight  new  colonists.  On  the  9th  of  March  they 
landed  at  Sierra  Leone,  where  the  emigrants  were  debark- 
ed, and  a situation  provided  for  them  at  Fourah  Bay  within 
the  jurisdiction  of  Freetown.  By  the  lease  of  a large  estate 
suitable  for  cultivation,  the  colonists  were  amply  furnished 
with  employment  and  the  means  of  comfort,  till  the  agents 
could  have  time  leisurely  to  explore  the  coast,  and  fix  on  the 
best  spot  for  their  ultimate  establishment.  Mr  Andrus  and 
Mr  Bacon  started  on  an  expedition  of  inquiry ; they  coasted 
along  the  Bagroo  and  the  country  south  ; in  some  places  the 
natives  were  hostile  to  their  views,  and  in  others,  where  they 
were  more  friendly,  many  requisites  for  settling  a colony 
were  wanting.  They  proceeded  to  the  Grand  Bassa,  a 
region  situated  in  the  north  west  borders  of  what  is  called  the 
Grain  Coast  of  Guinea,  in  the  vicinity  of  Cape  Mesurado, 
and  about  three  hundred  miles  from  Sierra  Leone.  Here 
they  found  a country  more  fertile,  elevated,  and  healthy,  and 
in  all  respects  better  calculated  for  their  purpose,  than  any 
they  had  seen,  and  the  natives  well  disposed  to  receive  them. 


16 


Colonization  Society. 

But  as  ill  luck  would  have  it,  the  agents  entangled  them- 
selves in  a difficulty  about  the  slave  trade.  They  undertook 
to  impose  their  own  conditions,  and  insisted  that  die  chiefs, 
who  offered  them  lands,  should  banish  this  traffic  from  their 
territories.  It  manifested  no  share  of  wisdom  to  say  any- 
thing on  this  delicate  subject,  and  least  of  all  to  demand  at 
the  outset  a sacrifice  of  a trade,  however  barbarous,  in  which 
the  natives  had  been  educated,  and  in  favor  of  which  were 
enlisted  their  habits,  interests,  and  prejudices.  Unequal  to 
the  task  of  impossibility,  which  they  attempted,  die  agents 
desisted  from  closing  any  contract,  and  returned  to  Sierra 
Leone,  favorably  impressed  with  the  country,  to  wait  for 
furdier  instructions.  Here  Mr  Andrus  was  shordy  after 
cut  off  by  the  fever,  as  were  Mr  and  Mrs  Winn,  who  died  in 
the  months  of  July  and  August.  Mr  Bacon  returned  to  the 
United  States,  and  the  colonists  were  left  under  the  sole 
charge  of  Mr  Wiltberger. 

In  their  Fifth  Annual  Report  the  Managers  express  their 
gratification,  that  nearly  at  this  juncture  they  were  so  fortu- 
nate as  to  engage  the  services  of  Dr  Eli  Ayres,  the  present 
agent  of  the  Society.  He  repaired  immediately  to  Sierra 
Leone,  where  he  waited  the  arrival  of  Lieutenant  Stockton 
in  the  United  States  Schooner  Aligator.  The  first  concern 
of  these  gentlemen  was  to  find  a place  for  commencing  a 
colony,  and  from  the  reports  of  the  agents  concerning  Bassa, 
their  thoughts  were  turned  to  that  country.  The  result  of 
this  expedition  was  the  purchase  of  Cape  Mesurado,  where 
the  colony  was  finally  established.  As  the  events  connected 
with  this  purchase  hold  an  important  place  in  the  history  of 
the  Colonization  Society,  we  shall  present  them  to  our  readers 
in  the  language  of  Dr  Ayres. 

‘ When  Lieutenant  Stockton  arrived  at  Sierra  Leone,’  he  observes, 
‘ I had  an  interview  with  him.  He  immediately  sent  his  offi- 
cers to  examine  the  Augusta.  They  pronounced  her  not  sea 
worthy,  her  masts,  spars,  and  upper  rigging  being  decayed.  In 
consequence  of  the  short  allowance  of  his  provisions,  it  became 
necessary  for  me  to  provide  a method  of  returning  to  Sierra  Leone, 
when  we  went  down  the  coast.  I applied  to  Mr  M’Cauley  for 
masts  and  spars,  but  there  was  no  timber  to  be  had  that  would 
answer  the  purpose.  I tlien  tried  to  cliarter  a vessel  for  the  pur- 
pose ; but  one  offered,  which  upon  examination  proved  to  be  nearly 


17 


Colonization  Society. 

as  bad  as  our  own.  Lieutenant  Stockton  consented,  as  no  alterna- 
tive appeared,  to  venture  in  our  own  vessel. 

‘ On  the  6th  of  December,  we  sailed  out  of  the  harbor.  Lieuten- 
ant Stockton  was  good  enough  to  put  on  board  the  Augusta  Lieu- 
tenant M’Kean  and  four  men.  I took  seven  of  our  men. 

‘ We  had  a very  calm  passage,  and  our  old  vessel  sailed  remarka- 
bly well.  We  anchored  last  night  in  Mesurado  Bay.  This  morn- 
ing, 12th  of  December,  at  day  light,  saw  a number  of  Croomen 
rowing  off  to  us ; got  under  way,  and  at  fifteen  minutes  past  ten 
o’clock  cast  anchor  close  under  Cape  Mesurado.  In  a few  minutes 
the  boats  were  hoisted  out,  and  the  Lieutenant  and  myself  were  on 
shore. 

‘ We  informed  the  people,  who  gathered  round  us,  that  we  had 
come  to  see  the  king ; that  we  wanted  to  get  some  land  to  build 
houses  on  ; that  we  had  heard  very  good  accounts  of  king  Peter, 
and  preferred  settling  with  him ; that  the  people  on  the  Bagroo 
wanted  us  to  settle  in  their  country,  but  we  said,  “ No,  we  will  go 
and  see  king  Peter  first ; if  he  won’t  let  us  have  land,  then  we  will 
settle  somewhere  else.”  We  pretended  to  be  very  indifferent 
whether  we  succeeded  with  them  or  not,  as  there  were  so  many 
places  on  the  coast  which  we  could  get.  This,  in  the  end  proved 
much  to  our  advantage.’ 

After  this  consultation  they  succeeded  In  gaining  a sight  of 
this  formidable  personage,  king  Peter.  With  him  they  had  a 
short  palaver,  which  ended  in  his  thanking  them  for  the  pre- 
ference they  had  given  him,  and  a promise  that  he  would 
meet  them  again,  and  grant  their  wishes.  In  the  mean  time. 
Dr  Ayers  takes  occasion  to  set  forth  the  advantages  possessed 
by  Mesurado  over  any  other  situation  on  the  coast. 

‘ In  the  first  place,’  says  he,  ‘ all  I had  read  on  the  subject,  all 
the  information  acquired  from  British  Naval  Officers,  with  whom  I 
have  talked  since  my  arrival,  as  well  as  some  other  intelligent  per- 
sons, concur  in  recommending  Mesurado,  for  many  reasons.  Bassa 
is  a low  level  country,  consequently  must  be  deprived  of  refreshing 
breezes  and  forever  unhealthy.  It  has  no  harbor,  and  six  months 
of  the  year,  landing  in  boats  is  impracticable.  It  has  no  good 
watering  place. 

‘ On  the  contrary,  Mesurado  Cape  is  a considerable  eminence  of 
land  jutting  into  the  sea,  high  enough  to  partake  of  the  refreshing 
.sea  and  land  breeze,  but  not  sufficiently  elevated  to  obstruct  the 
vapors  and  be  rendered  damp  and  unhealthy,  by  exhalations  and 
clouds  hanging  over  it  nearly  half  the  day.  There  is  a fertile 
island  situated  in  the  mouth  of  the  river.  A battery  erected  on 
the  Cape  would  eflectually  command  the  harbor  and  entrance  of 
3 


18 


Colonization  Society. 

the  river.  There  is  a pretty  good  harbor,  and  good  watering 
place  of  excellent  water.  The  land  at  this  place  is  equally  fertile 
with  Bassa,  or  any  other  part  of  the  coast.  With  good  cultivation 
it  will  yield  all  the  productions  of  the  tropical  climate. 

‘ These  things  taken  into  consideration,  determined  us  to  attempt 
to  negotiate  for  Mesurado.’ 

Thus  decided  on  the  most  essential  point,  they  immedi- 
ately proceeded  to  carry  their  plan  into  execution.  Much 
time  was  spent  in  fruitless  palavers  ; difficulties  were  perpetu- 
ally started  to  embarrass  the  negotiations  ; but  by  policy  and 
prudent  management  these  were  at  last  removed.  A pur- 
chase of  lands  was  effected,  in  consideration  of  certain  articles 
of  merchandize  to  be  given,  part  in  hand,  and  part  at  a future 
day.  An  agreement  of  cession  formally  drawn  up  was  signed 
by  six  kings  on  the  one  side,  and  Lieutenant  Stockton  and 
Dr  Ayers  on  the  other.  Shortly  after  the  purchase.  Dr  Ayres 
writes  as  follows. 

‘ We  have  this  morning  been  on  shore  and  selected  a situation 
for  a town,  and  directed  six  houses  to  be  built  against  my  retmn 
from  Sierra  Leone  with  the  people. 

‘ I consider  our  contract  not  only  as  a triumph  over  savage  preju- 
dice, but  over  European  negotiation.  For  this  you  are  entirely 
indebted  to  the  energy,  sagacity,  and  perseverance  of  Lieutenant 
Stockton.  We  have  purchased  a tract  of  country  containing  one 
million  of  dollars’  worth  of  land,  with  the  best  harbor  between 
Gibraltar  and  the  Cape  of  Good  Hope,  an  Island  containing  nine 
houses,  and  six  others  to  be  built ; there  are  excellent  springs  of 
water  near  the  site  we  have  selected  for  a city ; and  at  the  pitch  of 
the  Cape,  there  is  an  excellent  place  for  watering  ships.  All  this 
we  have  purchased  in  fee  simple,  for  little  more  than  was  stipulated 
to  be  given  for  the  annual  rent  of  Bassa,  and  not  amounting  to 
more  than  three  hundred  dollars.  The  island  at  the  mouth  of  the 
river  we  have  named  Perseverance,  to  perpetuate  the  long  emd 
tedious  palaver  we  had  in  obtaining  it.’ 

To  this  place  all  the  colonists  were  removed,  as  soon  as 
circumstances  would  permit,  from  Fourah  Bay,  with  happy 
anticipations  of  future  quiet  and  prosperity.  We  have  not  room 
to  enumerate  the  series  of  disasters,  which  darkened  these 
prospects,  exposed  them  to  new  perils,  surrounded  them  with 
new  discouragements,  and  called  them  to  endure  new  hard- 
ships. We  can  only  add,  that  some  of  the  neighboring 
chiefs,  who  had  not  been  consulted,  were  dissatisfied  with  the 


19 


Colonization  Society. 

contract,  threatened  to  cut  off  king  Peter’s  head  if  it  were 
not  annulled,  and  to  molest  the  colonists  if  they  did  not  re- 
move. King  Peter  was  greatly  alarmed,  besought  Dr  Ayres 
to  take  back  the  goods,  give  up  the  land,  and  quell  the  storm. 
In  these  times  of  turbulence  and  trouble.  Dr  Ayres  discovered 
great  coolness  and  good  judgment,  and  so  managed  the  affair 
as  to  pacify  some  of  the  disaffected  kings,  intimidate  others, 
and,  by  bringing  their  jealousies  and  interests  to  counteract 
each  other,  to  avert  the  mischiefs,  which  they  might  have 
produced,  had  they  acted  in  concert.  At  all  events,  he 
retained  possession  of  his  purchased  territory,  and  employed 
the  colonists  in  building  houses,  and  providing  for  their  safety. 

In  the  month  of  June  he  took  passage  for  the  United  States, 
to  acquaint  the  Society  with  the  condition  and  wants  of  the 
people,  and  obtain  supplies.  As  yet  the  colonists  had  been 
able  to  erect  but  a small  number  of  comfortable  dwellings, 
nor  were  they  free  from  apprehensions  of  an  attack  from  the 
natives.  But  when  the  agent  offered  to  take  them  to  Sierra 
Leone  till  his  return,  they  almost  unanimously  declined,  and 
chose  to  maintain  their  position.  A respectable  man  of  their 
own  color  was  appointed  by  Dr  Ayres  to  superintend  the 
establishment. 

On  the  8th  of  August  Mr  Ashmun  arrived  at  Mesurado  in 
the  brig  Strong,  which  sailed  from  Baltimore.  Under  his 
charge  were  thirty  five  new  colonists,  among  whom  were 
fifteen  recaptured  Africans  from  Georgia,  redeemed  by  the 
means  we  have  above  stated,  and  thus  restored  to  freedom 
and  their  native  land,  through  the  instrumentality  of  the  Colo- 
nization Society.  Mr  Ashmun  discharged  the  office  of  tem- 
porary agent  during  the  absence  of  Dr  Ayres.  The  colonists 
were  busy  in  erecting  houses,  and  cultivating  the  lands ; the 
natives  were  quiet,  and  came  peaceably  to  the  Cape,  some 
out  of  curiosity,  others  to  labor  for  wages,  and  others  with 
produce  and  merchandize. 

This  state  of  tranquillity,  however,  was  soon  interrupted, 
symptoms  of  hostility  began  to  show  themselves  among  some 
of  the  chiefs,  and  it  was  found  that  one  or  two  in  particular 
were  active  in  exciting  others,  and  endeavoring  to  organize  a 
general  combination.  This  was  partially  effected,  and  in  a 
few  days  an  assault  was  made  by  an  armed  force  vastly  supe- 
rior in  numbers  and  strength  to  the  emigrants.  The  natives 


20 


Colonization  Society. 

were  repulsed,  but  with  a loss  of  three  or  four  colonists  killed, 
and  several  wounded.  Very  opportunely  at  this  crisis.  Cap- 
tain Spence,  in  the  United  States  Ship  Cyane,  arrived  at 
Mesurado.  He  afforded  them  assistance,  built  a fort  mount- 
ing six  guns,  refitted  and  armed  an  old  schooner  for  the  de- 
fence of  the  colony,  which  he  left  behind,  manned  with  six 
white  and  as  many  colored  men.  This  relief  was  timely  and 
effectual.  Peace  was  restored;  afriendly  intercourse  was  again 
opened  between  the  two  parties  ; and,  when  Dr  Ayres  arrived 
in  the  Oswego  from  Baltimore,  with  sixty  additional  emigrants, 
May  24th,  1823,  a good  understanding  seemed  to  prevail. 
No  other  evils  threatened,  than  such  as  are  incident  to  the 
privations  of  a new  establishment,  and  the  usual  unhealthiness 
of  the  rainy  season,  which  had  then  commenced.  These 
evils,  it  is  true,  were  severe,  but  not  more  so  than  was  to 
have  been  expected.  The  present  number  of  emigrants  we 
believe  to  be  about  one  hundred  and  fifty.  A vessel,  called 
the  Fidelity,  has  been  purchased  by  a company  of  gentlemen 
in  Baltimore,  and  set  apart  as  a packet  ship  to  the  coast  of 
Africa,  exclusively  designed,  as  we  understand,  to  ply  regu- 
larly between  that  city  and  the  colony  at  Cape  Mesurado. 

Such  is  a brief  historical  outline  of  the  American  Coloniza- 
tion Society,  which,  although  imperfect  in  many  of  its  parts, 
is  sufficient  to  indicate  what  have  been  the  origin  and  objects 
of  this  Society,  its  aims  and  progress,  its  means  and  extent, 
its  failures  and  success.  Whatever  may  be  thought  of  its 
scheme,  our  readers  will  perceive,  that  no  want  of  zeal,  of 
benevolent  feeling,  personal  sacrifices,  or  wakeful  activity, 
has  marked  its  proceedings.  That  no  mistakes  have  been 
committed,  both  in  speculation  and  practice,  in  judgment  and 
the  application  of  means,  we  are  not  prepared  to  say  ; on  the 
contrary,  we  think  there  have  been  many.  From  various 
circumstances,  some  of  these  no  doubt  were  unavoidable,  but 
others  were  evidently  the  consequence  of  a too  hasty  decision, 
an  undue  warmth  of  imagination,  and  a deficiency  of  intelli- 
gence, which  a proper  degree  of  inquiry  would  have  supplied. 

For  instance,  it  must  have  been  a star  of  no  good  omen, 
which  at  the  very  beginning  directed  the  eyes  of  the  managers 
to  the  low,  marshy  lands  of  the  Sherbro,  as  a suitable  place 
for  settling  a colony  of  living  men  from  the  United  States. 
Again,  it  is  unaccountable,  that  almost  every  vessel  with  emi- 


21 


Advantages  of  Colonization  in  Africa. 

grants  on  board  has  been  allowed  to  depart,  so  as  to  arrive 
in  the  first  weeks  of  the  rainy  season ; and  this,  after  witness- 
ing the  fatal  effects  of  one  or  two  disastrous  experiments. 
Another  error  was  the  little  attention  paid  to  selecting  emi- 
grants for  the  first  transportation.  From  the  best  accounts 
they  were  idle,  worthless,  and  dissolute.  With  the  dregs  of 
disorder  thus  mingled  in  the  fountain,  it  could  not  be  expect- 
ed, that  the  stream  would  flow  pure  and  tranquil.  These  mis- 
takes have  run  into  serious  consequences,  and  ought  to  have 
been  avoided.  Experience,  we  have  reason  to  believe,  has 
corrected  them. 

We  are  next  so  consider  the  advantages,  which  may  be 
hoped  from  the  success  of  the  Colonization  Society,  admitting 
its  plans  to  be  carried  into  full  operation. 

These  are  too  numerous  and  weighty  to  admit  a detailed 
examination  in  this  place.  They  spread  over  a field  of  un- 
limited extent,  and  pertain  not  more  to  that  unfortunate 
portion  of  our  race,  on  whose  condition  the  influence  of  the 
Society  immediately  acts,  than  to  our  national  policy  and 
prosperity,  to  our  security  and  happiness,  to  the  value  of  our 
possessions  and  the  efficacy  of  our  moral  and  civil  establish- 
ments, to  the  execution  of  some  of  our  most  salutary  laws, 
and  to  the  brightening  of  the  gloomiest  prospects,  which  pass 
before  the  eyes  of  the  patriot  and  philanthropist.  On  these 
advantages  we  can  touch  only  in  a rapid  manner,  and  shall 
content  ourselves  with  a few  remarks  concerning  them,  as 
they  relate  to  this  country  ; to  the  abolition  of  the  slave  trade  ; 
and  to  the  civilization  of  Africa. 

To  estimate  the  benefits,  which  a successful  operation  of 
the  Colonization  Society  will  confer  on  the  people  of  this 
country,  we  must  look  for  a moment  at  the  present  condition 
of  the  colored  population,  the  manner  in  which  the  blacks 
stand  related  to  the  whites,  and  the  slaves  to  those  of  their 
own  color  who  are  free.  We  shall  here  find  a series  of 
appalling  evils,  growing  in  strength  as  the  ratio  of  population 
increases,  and  bidding  defiance  to  any  remedy,  which  either 
our  political  or  social  institutions  can  apply.  We  cannot 
express  our  views  on  this  subject  in  language  more  appro- 
priate and  forcible,  than  that  of  Mr  Harper,  as  contained  in 
a letter  to  the  Secretary  of  the  Colonization  Society,  appended 
to  the  First  Annual  Report. 


22  Advantages  of  Colonization  in  Africa. 

‘ In  reflecting,’  says  Mr  Harper,  ‘ on  the  utility  of  a plan  for 
colonizing  the  free  people  of  color,  with  whom  our  country  abounds, 
it  is  natural  that  we  should  be  first  struck  by  its  tendency  to  confer 
a benefit  on  ourselves,  by  ridding  us  of  a population  for  the  most 
part  idle  and  useless,  and  too  often  vicious  and  mischievous. 
These  persons  are  condemned  to  a state  of  hopeless  inferiority  and 
degradation,  by  their  color  ; which  is  an  indelible  mark  of  their 
origin  and  former  condition,  and  establishes  an  impassable  barrier 
between  them  and  tlie  whites.  This  barrier  is  closed  forever  by 
our  habits  and  our  feelings,  which  perhaps  it  would  be  more  cor- 
rect to  call  our  prejudices,  and  which,  whether  feelings  or  preju- 
dices, or  a mixture  of  both,  make  us  recoil  with  horror  from  the 
idea  of  an  intimate  union  with  the  free  blacks,  and  preclude  the 
possibility  of  such  a state  of  equality,  between  them  and  us,  as 
alone  could  make  us  one  people.  Whatever  justice,  humanity,  and 
kindness  we  may  feel  towards  them,  we  cannot  help  considering 
them,  and  treating  them,  as  our  inferiors ; nor  can  they  help  view- 
ing themselves  in  the  same  light,  however  hard  and  unjust  they 
may  be  inclined  to  consider  such  a state  of  things.  We  cannot 
help  associating  them  in  our  feelings  and  conduct,  nor  can  they 
help  associating  themselves,  with  the  slaves ; who  have  the  same 
color,  the  same  origin,  and  the  same  manners,  and  with  whom  they 
or  their  parents  have  been  recently  in  the  same  condition.  Be  their 
industry  ever  so  great,  and  their  conduct  ever  so  correct,  whatever 
property  they  may  acquire,  or  whatever  respect  we  may  feel  for 
their  characters,  we  never  could  consent,  and  they  never  could 
hope,  to  see  the  two  races  placed  on  a footing  of  perfect  equality 
with  each  other ; to  see  the  free  blacks  or  their  descendants  visit 
in  our  houses,  form  part  of  our  circle  of  acquaintance,  marry  into 
our  families,  or  participate  in  public  honors  and  employments. 
This  is  strictly  true  of  every  part  of  our  country,  even  those  parts 
where  slavery  has  long  ceased  to  exist,  and  is  held  in  abhorrence. 
There  is  no  state  in  the  union,  where  a negro  or  mulatto  can  ever 
hope  to  be  a member  of  Congress,  a judge,  a militia  officer,  or  even 
a justice  of  the  peace ; to  sit  down  at  the  same  table  with  the  re- 
spectable whites,  or  to  mix  freely  in  their  society.’ 

At  this  stage  of  our  national  progress,  it  is  idle  to  investi- 
gate the  causes,  which  have  fixed  these  impressions,  and 
built  up  these  unnatural  barriers  of  separation ; and  worse 
than  idle  to  tell  us,  what  we  know  full  well,  that  they  are  un- 
reasonable, unjust,  and  inhuman.  Let  the  fact  be  as  melan- 
choly as  it  wili,  it  is  nevertheless  a fact,  and  one  with  which 
we  must  be  contented,  without  attempting  to  palliate  the  enor- 
mities out  of  which  it  has  arisen,  that  the  course  of  events, 


23 


Advantages  of  Colonization  in  Africa. 

over  which  we  have  had  no  control,  and  the  customs  of 
society  whose  power  no  arm  of  flesh  can  counteract,  have 
brought  the  whole  body  of  the  people  of  color,  both  bond  and 
free,  into  a situation  fruitful  of  infinite  mischiefs  to  themselves, 
and  to  the  whites.  That  watchful  guardian  of  character  and 
morals,  public  opinion,  exerts  its  power  in  vain  on  the  blacks, 
because  this  same  public  opinion  has  inhumanly  branded  them 
with  a mark  of  degradation,  which  they  feel  it  impossible  to 
erase,  and  has  thrust  them  into  a rank  among  their  fellow 
men,  above  which,  neither  virtue  nor  knowledge,  wisdom  nor 
piety,  can  enable  them  to  ascend. 

In  this  respect,  as  Mr  Harper  has  justly  observed,  there  is 
a wide  difference  between  slavery  in  America,  and  in  all 
other  countries.  Color  has  beome  a signal  of  inferiority,  by 
the  mere  habit  of  connecting  the  idea  of  a slave  with  that  of 
a dark  skin ; nor  can  it  be  otherwise,  while  the  principles  of 
association  hold  their  place  among  the  first  elements  of  the 
human  mind.  Anciently  among  the  Greeks  and  Romans,  as 
now  among  the  different  nations  of  Europe  and  Asia,  no  dis- 
tinction of  color  existed  between  the  slave  and  his  master. 
Then  slavery  was  remediable  evil ; emancipation  washed  out 
the  stain ; intellect  and  virtue  had  their  influence ; to  have 
been  a slave  was  no  bar  to  any  degree  of  dignity  and  respect, 
which  future  merit  might  deserve  ; Terence  and  Epictetus 
lost  none  of  the  admiration  justly  due  to  their  talents,  because 
they  were  slaves ; they  were  not  the  less  caressed  by  the 
great,  admired  by  the  wise,  and  honored  by  all. 

No  such  thing  can  happen  in  this  country.  Give  freedom 
to  a slave,  and  where  do  you  place  him  ^ Not  above  the 
repulsiveness  of  popular  feeling,  not  in  the  rank  of  the  meanest 
white  man,  not  in  a sphere  where  he  can  gather  around  him 
the  affections,  or  participate  the  friendships,  or  be  consoled 
by  the  sympathy,  of  the  respectable  members  of  the  commu- 
nity, He  is  pressed  down,  till  debasement  becomes  a habit ; 
he  has  grovelled,  till  the  desire  of  rising  out  of  the  dust  is 
lost ; ambition  has  withered  in  its  starting  freshness  ; emulation 
has  been  blighted  in  the  opening  bud ; virtue  has  sunk  weary 
with  ill  requited  exertion  ; and  hope,  the  last  kind  comforter  of 
the  wretched,  has  forsaken  his  bosom,  and  left  him  reckless 
of  his  condition  and  his  destiny. 


24  Advantages  of  Colonization  in  Africa. 

The  character  of  slavery,  as  it  exists  in  this  country,  reii- 
ders  emancipation  to  any  practicable  extent  impossible,  unless 
there  shall  be  some  place  out  of  the  United  States,  to  which 
free  persons  of  color  may  be  sent,  where  they  may  enjoy  the 
civil  privileges  of  which,  for  wise  purposes,  it  is  here  necessary 
that  the  laws  should  deprive  them  ; and  where  they  may 
obtain  those  means  of  happiness,  which  freedom  and  self 
government  will  put  into  their  hands.  No  dream  can  be 
more  wild,  than  that  of  emancipating  slaves,  who  are  still  to 
remain  among  us  free ; we  unhesitatingly  express  it  as  our 
belief,  and  we  speak  from  some  experience,  that  the  free 
people  of  color,  as  a class  in  the  slave  holding  states,  are  a 
greater  nuisance  to  society,  more  comfortless,  tempted  to 
more  vices,  and  actually  less  qualified  to  enjoy  existence,  than 
the  slaves  themselves.  In  such  a state  of  things,  manumission 
is  no  blessing  to  the  slave,  while  it  is  an  evil  of  the  most  seri- 
ous kind  to  the  whites. 

This  we  deem  an  important  consideration,  because  it  brings 
the  subject  of  emancipation  to  a single  point.  We  suppose 
it  is  the  cherished  hope  of  every  true  patriot,  as  well  as  of 
every  benevolent  man,  that  the  day  will  come,  when  the 
scourge  of  slavery  shall  no  longer  be  felt  in  the  land,  w^hen 
the  rod  of  chastisement  shall  be  withdrawn,  and  all  voices 
shall  join  in  the  song  of  freedom.  There  is  one  possible  way, 
and  only  one,  in  which  this  event  can  be  accomplished,  or 
even  approximated.  It  is  by  colonization,  and  by  this  alone, 
that  the  mischiefs  of  slavery,  and,  wdiat  is  more  to  be  dreaded 
than  slavery,  the  living  pestilence  of  a free  black  population, 
can  be  lessened.  We  take  the  position  to  be  settled,  that  no 
possible  remedy  can  be  imagined,  while  the  people  of  color 
continue  with  us,  whether  as  slaves,  or  as  freemen  subject  to 
their  present  legal  disabilities.  Can  any  combination  of  facts 
more  clearly  demonstrate  the  necessity  of  procuring  an  asylum 
for  these  people,  in  some  place  remote  from  our  own  territory, 
or  more  loudly  demand  the  union  of  all  hearts  and  hands  in 
aiding  the  benevolent  and  well  designed  beginnings  of  the 
Colonization  Society  ^ As  all  hope  of  future  relief  rests  on 
some  experiment  of  this  sort,  who  does  not  see,  that  the 
sooner  it  is  begun,  the  less  formidable  will  be  the  obstacles  to 
contend  against,  and  the  more  encouraging  the  prospects  of 
success  f 


Advantages  of  Colonization  in  Africa.  25 

‘ Great  as  the  benefits  are/  says  Mr  Harper,  ‘ which  we  may 
promise  ourselves,  from  the  colonization  of  the  free  people  of  color, 
by  its  tendency  to  prevent  the  discontent  and  corruption  of  our 
slaves,  and  to  secure  to  them  a better  treatment  by  rendering  them 
more  worthy  of  it,  there  is  another  advantage  infinitely  greater,  in 
every  point  of  view,  to  which  it  may  lead  the  way.  It  tends,  and 
may  powerfully  tend,  to  rid  us  gradually  and  entirely,  in  the  United 
States,  of  slaves  and  slavery  ; a great  moral  and  political  evil,  of 
increasing  virulence  and  extent,  from  which  much  mischief  is  now 
felt,  and  very  great  calamity  in  future  is  justly  apprehended.  It  is 
in  this  point  of  view,  I confess,  that  the  scheme  of  colonization 
most  strongly  recommends  itself,  in  my  opinion,  to  attention  and 
support.  The  alarming  danger  of  cherishing  in  our  bosom  a dis- 
tinct nation,  which  can  never  become  incorporated  with  us,  while 
it  rapidly  increases  in  numbers,  and  improves  in  intelligence  ; 
learning  from  us  the  arts  of  peace  and  war,  the  secret  of  its  own 
strength,  and  the  talent  of  combining  and  directing  its  force ; a 
nation  which  must  ever  be  hostile  to  us,  from  feeling  and  interest, 
because  it  can  never  incorporate  with  us,  nor  participate  in  the 
advantages  which  we  enjoy ; the  danger  of  such  a nation  in  our 
bosom,  needs  not  be  pointed  out  to  any  reflecting  mind.  It  speaks 
not  only  to  our  understandings,  but  to  our  very  senses  ; and  how- 
ever it  may  be  derided  by  some,  or  overlooked  by  others,  who  have 
not  the  ability  or  the  time,  or  do  not  give  themselves  the  trouble,  to 
reflect  on,  and  estimate  properly,  the  force  and  extent  of  those  great 
moral  and  physical  causes,  which  prepare  gradually,  and  at  length 
bring  forth,  the  most  terrible  convulsions  in  civil  society ; it  will 
not  be  viewed  without  deep  and  awful  apprehension,  by  any  who 
shall  bring  sound  minds,  and  some  share  of  political  knowledge  and 
sagacity,  to  the  serious  consideration  of  the  subject.  Such  persons 
will  give  their  most  serious  attention  to  any  proposition,  which  has 
for  its  object  the  eradication  oftliis  terrible  mischief,  lurking  in  our 
vitals.’ 

In  the  course  of  his  further  remarks,  Mr  Harper  draws  a 
vivid  picture  of  the  mischievous  effects  growing  out  of  the 
colored  population,  and  sets  forth  the  advantages,  which  the 
country  would  gain  by  gradually  releasing  itself  from  this 
burden.  The  author  speaks  not  more  from  deep  reflection, 
than  from  observation  and  experience ; the  accuracy  of  his 
knowledge  and  tlte  soundness  of  his  judgment  are  alike  to  be 
trusted.  His  views  are  philosophical ; they  are  just  in  princi- 
ple and  fact.  Revealing  the  causes  of  the  evils,  which  now 
afflict  us,  he  proves  them  to  be  radical,  and  suggests  the  only 
method  by  which  they  can  be  torn  up  and  destroyed.  Draw 
4 


26  Advantages  of  Colonization  in  Africa. 

off  the  free  blacks  ; then  give  freedom  to  the  slaves,  and  fef 
them  follow.  White  laborers  will  come  in  and  take  their 
place,  as  fast  as  the  odium  of  slavery  wears  away  ; labor  will 
be  more  productive,  lands  more  valuable,  and  the  means  of 
wealth  more  abundant ; a vicious,  worthless,  dangerous  popu- 
lation will  be  succeeded  by  an  intelligent  and  thriving  class, 
who  will  stand  as  pillars  of  strength  in  the  social  fabric.  This 
is  no  impossible  task,  if  rightly  undertaken  ; so  great  a change 
must  necessarily  be  brought  about  by  imperceptible  degrees  ; 
the  Colonization  Society  has  taken  the  first  step;  let  its 
enterprise  be  seconded  with  energy,  and  the  work  will  in  due 
time  be  done. 

Nor  are  the  benefits  at  which  we  have  hinted  wholly  pros- 
pective. They  began  to  be  realized  when  the  first  colonist 
left  the  country,  and  they  will  increase  as  others  go  aftei’ 
them.  They  will  be  seen  in  the  improved  character  and 
condition  of  the  slaves,  who  remain ; and  in  tlie  removal  of 
the  temptations  to  vice  and  idleness,  which  are  thrown  in  their 
way  by  the  free  blacks.  The  slaves  will  become  more  peace- 
ful and  moral ; they  will  be  happier,  and  better  qualified  for 
enjoying  the  blessings  of  liberty,  when  the  day  shall  come  for 
them  to  hold  a place  in  a colony  of  their  free  brethren. 
Hence  the  benefits  to  the  white  population  in  the  slave  hold- 
ing states  are  twofold  ; the  slaves  are  made  better,  and  the 
poisonous  influence  of  the  free  colored  people  on  society 
grows  weaker  as  their  numbers  diminish.  These  benefits 
attend  the  progress  of  the  scheme,  which,  when  it  is  perfected, 
will  not  only  form  the  blacks  into  a new  and  improved  race, 
living  under  their  own  laws,  and  relying  on  their  own  resources, 
but  will  add  to  the  wealth,  the  physical  strength,  political 
weight,  and  moral  and  intellectual  ascendancy  of  those  dis- 
tricts of  country,  where  the  colored  population  is  now  the 
most  numerous.  And  it  will  not  be  less  a national  benefit, 
for  this  is  one  of  those  cases,  above  all  others,  in  which  the 
whole  has  as  deep  an  interest  as  a part. 

Besides  these  advantages,  which  pertain  to  our  domestic 
prosperity,  many  others  may  be  expected  of  a commercial 
nature,  from  the  establishment  of  a colony  in  Africa.  On 
this  subject  it  is  impossible  to  speak  with  the  accuracy  of 
calculation,  and  conjectures  would  be  fruitless ; yet  we  may 
affirm,  that  no  part  of  the  world  is  more  fertile,  than  western 


27 


Advantages  of  Colonization  in  Africa. 

Africa,  or  better  calculated  to  produce  the  articles  of  com- 
merce usually  found  in  tropical  climates.  A trade  of  con- 
siderable profit  has  for  many  years  been  carried  on  with  the 
natives  along  the  coast,  by  individuals  both  in  this  country  and 
Europe.  The  slave  trade  has  been  a severe  check  to  the 
success  of  lawful  enterprise,  as  it  has  bartered  with  the  na- 
tives and  taken  in  exchange,  not  the  fruits  of  their  industry, 
the  products  of  their  soil,  the  rewards  of  honest  labor,  but  the 
spoils  of  unnatural  wars,  commenced  on  the  barbarous  prin- 
ciple that  strength  gives  right,  and  prosecuted  with  the  cruel 
intention  of  conquering  to  enslave.  The  physical  strength  of 
the  country  has  been  employed,  not  in  the  thriving  pursuits  of 
agriculture,  and  the  improvement  of  the  arts,  but  in  sanguinary 
contests  for  the  plunder  of  human  beings,  in  murders,  kidnap- 
pings, and  all  the  atrocious  outrages,  which  savage  man,  under 
the  dominion  of  his  savage  passions,  can  inflict  on  his  fellow 
man.  The  inhuman  traffic  in  slaves  has  resisted  the  tide  of 
lawful  commerce,  by  rendering  it  unnecessary  to  the  natives ; 
but  this  bar  will  gradually  be  removed  ; justice  will  not  always 
be  deaf  to  the  cries  of  the  sufferer ; the  energetic  measures 
adopted  by  the  United  States  and  Great  Britain  will  continue, 
as  they  have  done,  to  scatter  terror  in  the  minds  of  the  mis- 
creant trafficers  in  blood  and  crime ; and  even  the  Holy 
Alliance  may  one  day  think  its  plighted  faith  worth  remem- 
bering, although  in  an  unguarded  hour  it  was  for  once  pledged 
in  the  cause  of  freedom  and  humanity.  Let  the  slave  trade 
be  driven  from  the  earth,  and  few  countries  will  afford  more 
inducements  to  commercial  enterprise,  than  western  Africa.* 
The  instance  of  Sierra  Leone  presents  us  with  no  unfavor- 
able view  of  what  may  be  done  in  the  way  of  commerce. 
That  colony  contended  for  a long  time  with  many  embarrass- 
ments ; it  was  owned  by  a Company,  whose  means  were 

* On  the  8th  of  February,  1815,  the  Congress  of  Vienna,  consisting  of  five 
of  the  principal  European  powers,  made  a solemn  engagement,  that  the  traffic- 
in  slaves  should  cease.  Three  of  these  powers  have  since  enacted  munieijial 
laws  to  carry  this  engagement  into  effect.  But  here  the  farce  has  ended. 
Except  England,  not  one  of  tlie  assembled  powers  has  done  any  thing  to  prove 
that  it  was  in  earnest,  notwithstanding  the  promptness  of  the  British  govern, 
ment  to  remind  them  of  their  failure  of  duty,  and  to  acquaint  them  with  the 
perpetual  violation  of  the  compact  under  the  sanction  of  their  respective  flags. 
For  an  interesting  and  detailed  correspondence  of  the  British  Ministry  with 
Foreign  Powers  on  this  subject,  see  Parliamentary  Papers  on  llie  Slave  Trade, 
printed  by  order  of  the  House  of  Commons,  April,  1822,  Nos.  Ill,  1\'. 


28  Advantages  of  Colonization  in  Africa. 

exhausted  before  its  commercial  operations  could  go  into 
complete  effect;  it  suffered  from  wars  and  privations.  Yet 
all  these  difficulties  have  vanished,  and  the  commerce  of 
Sierra  Leone  has  of  late  been  flourishing.  Thirty  five  vessels 
were  entered  at  that  port  in  the  year  1821,  registered  chiefly 
in  London,  and  containing  goods,  whose  invoice  amount  was 
somewhat  more  than  ^450,000.  The  duties  collected  in  the 
colony  during  the  same  year  amounted  to  $28,000.  The 
principal  articles  exported  in  return  were  ivory,  palm  oil, 
camwood,  gum,  beeswax,  gold  dust,  hides,  rice,  lumber  of 
various  sorts,  mahogany  in  logs,  coffee,  African  wild  spices, 
Guinea  grains,  leopard  skins,  and  mats.  These  are  brought 
down  by  the  natives  to  Sierra  Leone,  and  exchanged  for 
cheap  cloths,  and  various  articles  of  European  manufacture. 
The  trade  is  a profitable  one  to  the  importer,  and,  as  it  ex- 
tends, will  run  into  new  and  promising  channels.  Mesurado 
is  better  situated  for  trade  than  Sierra  Leone ; it  stands  at 
the  mouth  of  a much  larger  river,  is  in  the  neighborhood  of  a 
more  fertile  country,  and  accessible  to  a larger  population  in 
the  interior.  Why,  then,  should  it  not  grow  up  to  be  a place 
of  commercial  importance,  employ  many  of  our  seamen,  add 
to  the  tonnage  of  our  shipping,  contribute  to  our  revenue,  and 
thus  confer  a positive  good  on  the  nation,  at  the  same  time  it 
relieves  us  of  a positive  and  alarming  evil  ? Nor  ought  our 
views  to  be  confined  to  Mesurado.  Civilization  and  commerce 
will  go  hand  in  hand,  and  new  sources  of  profitable  intercourse 
will  be  opened,  in  proportion  as  the  natives  learn  the  best 
modes  of  supplying  their  wants. 

Let  the  scheme  of  colonization  next  be  considered  as 
affecting  the  Slave  Trade,  and  it  will  be  seen,  that  its  benefits, 
in  regard  to  the  suppression  of  this  traffic,  are  scarcely  less 
important,  than  those  already  enumerated.*  In  1808,  the 
earliest  time  provided  by  the  Constitution,  the  slave  trade  was 
prohibited  in  the  United  States,  and  laws  were  enacted  inflict- 
ing severe  penalties  of  fines,  imprisonments,  and  forfeitures 
on  those,  who  should  participate  in  this  guilty  traffic.  Ten 
years  afterwards  this  law  was  improved,  by  throwing  on  the 
defendant  the  burden  of  proof,  that  the  colored  person  intro- 

* For  a brief,  but  clear  and  well  digested  history  of  the  laws  abolishing  the 
Slave  Trade,  both  in  Great  Britain  and  this  country,  we  refer  our  readers  to 
Mr  Walsh’s  .Appeal,  See.  IX. 


29 


Adoantages  of  Colonization  in  Africa. 

dnced  by  him  into  the  country  was  lawfully  brought  in.  The 
laws  were  still  found  to  be  imperfect,  as  they  neither  afforded 
a sufficient  check  to  the  trade  by  American  citizens  on  the 
coast  of  Africa,  nor  provided  any  means  of  redeeming  and 
restoring  to  their  country  the  unfortunate  victims,  who  might, 
in  violation  of  the  laws,  be  introduced  into  the  States.  To 
correct  these  imperfections,  the  act  of  March  3d,  1819, 
already  mentioned,  was  passed,  authorizing  the  President  to 
station  public  vessels  on  the  coast  of  Africa,  make  such  ar- 
rangements as  he  should  deem  expedient  to  rescue  and  sup- 
port recaptured  negroes,  and  appoint  agents  to  reside  there, 
and  receive  such  persons  of  color,  as  should  be  sent  from  this 
country,  or  be  taken  by  our  cruisers  from  slave  vessels  on  the 
coast.  One  act  more  was  wanting  to  mark  this  wicked  traffic 
with  its  true  character,  and  this  act  was  passed  by  Congress, 
May  15th,  1820,  wherein  it  is  declared,  that  every  person 
proved  to  be  engaged  in  the  slave  trade  is  guilty  of  piracy,  and 
shall  be  punished  with  death.  The  glory  of  taking  this  noble 
stand  against  the  long  cherished,  guilty  customs  of  the  whole 
world,  and  of  asserting  the  claims  of  humanity  on  the  broad 
principles  of  nature  and  right,  was  reserved  for  the  American 
Congress.  It  is  a bright  page  in  the  records  of  time,  and  the 
event  will  be  hailed  in  all  coming  ages  as  a memorable  epoch 
in  the  history  of  the  human  race.  It  has  already  gained  the 
spontaneous  applause  o(  every  benevolent  heart,  not  more  in 
this  country  than  in  Europe.  Let  it  not  be  forgotten,  that 
this  step  was  first  recommended  by  a committee  of  Congress 
acting  on  a memorial  of  the  Colonization  Society.* 

This  memorable  law,  in  connexion  with  that  of  1819,  would 
seem  to  be  little  else  than  a dead  letter,  without  the  existence 
of  an  American  colony  on  the  coast  of  Africa.  Where  are 


*T\vo  able  and  very  important  decisions  have  been  rendered  in  our  courts 
under  the  acts  of  Confess  respecting-  the  Slave  Trade.  The  first  was  in  the 
case  of  the  Plattsburgh,  by  Judge  Van  Ness,  in  the  District  Court  of  the 
United  States  in  New  York;  and  the  second,  in  the  case  of  the  French  ship 
La  Jeune  Eugenie,  in  the  Circuit  Court  at  Boston,  December,  18J1,  by  Judge 
Story.  The  latter  opinion  is  remarkable  for  the  force  of  argument  with  which 
it  defends  the  high  ground  it  takes,  and  the  conclusive  proof  it  exhibits,  that 
the  solemn  acts  of  the  great  governments  of  the  civilized  world,  denouncing 
the  slave  trade  as  an  offence  against  justice  and  humanity,  have  stigmatized  this 
traffic  as  a violation  of  the  laws  of  nations,  and  that  courts  of  justice  are  au- 
thorized to  form  their  decisions  on  this  principle.  See  the  Case  of  the  Jeune 
Eugenie,  as  reported  by  William  P.  Mason,  F.sq. 


30  Advantages  of  Colonization  in  Africa. 

tlie  agents  to  be  stationed  ? What  security  will  they  have  for 
their  persons  ? How  are  they  to  preserve  the  dignity  of  public 
agents  of  the  American  government,  or  in  what  manner  can 
they  discharge  the  duties  of  their  office,  in  opposition  to  the 
interests  of  the  people,  whose  protection  they  claim  ? 

In  the  President’s  next  message  to  Congress,  after  the  above 
act  was  passed,  he  observes,  in  referring  to  the  agents  whom 
he  had  appointed,  ‘ they  will  have  power  to  select  the  most 
suitable  place  on  the  coast  of  Africa,  at  which  all  persons 
who  may  be  taken  under  this  act  shall  be  delivered  to  them, 
with  an  express  injunction  to  exercise  no  power  founded  on 
the  principle  of  colonization,  or  other  power  than  that  of  per- 
forming the  benevolent  offices  above  recited,  [providing  for 
the  recaptured  negroes]  by  the  permission  and  sanction  of  the 
existing  government  under  which  they  may  establish  them- 
solves.’  But  what  existing  government  is  there  on  the  coast 
of  Africa,  which  is  not  engaged  in  the  slave  trade  ? And  is 
it  to  be  credited,  that  any  such  government  would  give  per- 
mission for  an  agency  to  be  established,  whose  professed 
object  should  be  to  oppose  its  customs  and  discourage  its 
trade  ? We  hold  the  thing  to  be  impossible.  While  the 
agents  were  supplied  with  presents  enough  to  bribe  the  kings 
into  acquiesence,  the  case  might  not  be  entirely  hopeless,  but 
tempt  their  cupidity  by  letting  loose  in  their  dominions  a cargo 
of  recaptured  negroes,  and  we  will  answer  for  their  integrity 
no  longer.  It  is  not  a characteristic  of  the  untutored  mind  to 
resist  the  stronger  motive,  especially  when  the  force  of  habit 
accords  with  the  impulse  of  interest.  And  then  it  is  not 
likely,  that  the  slavers  on  the  coast  would  regard  with  a friendly 
eye  these  enemies  of  their  commerce,  acting  under  the  sanc- 
tion of  a foreign  power.  Let  the  subject  be  viewed  as  it  may, 
and  there  will  not  be  a shadow  of  hope,  that  two  unprotected 
agents,  fixing  themselves  among  the  natives,  could  do  anything 
towards  an  effectual  execution  of  the  laws  of  the  United 
States.  They  would  effect  little  else,  than  to  supply  the  slave 
market  in  Africa  to  the  full  amount  of  recaptured  persons, 
whom  they  should  receive. 

That  such  a scheme  should  have  been  contemplated  by  the 
Executive,  was  evidently  the  result  of  necessity ; Congress 
had  directed  agents  to  be  appointed,  but  had  not  looked  for- 
ward to  the  thing  of  chief  importance,  the  mode  in  which  they 


31 


Advantages  of  Colonization  in  Africd. 

should  be  so  employed  as  to  render  their  agency  of  any  prac- 
tical value.  Thus  situated,  the  President  had  no  alternative, 
but  to  appoint  agents,  and  instruct  them  as  he  did.  Happily, 
however,  the  experiment  was  not  tried.  The  government 
made  common  cause  with  the  Colonization  Society ; the 
agents  of  both  were  directed  to  act  in  concert,  and,  as  far  as 
we  can  learn,  they  have  thus  acted  till  the  present  time.  We 
believe,  indeed,  that  both  agencies  are  now  vested  in  Dr 
Ayres  alone.  For  all  the  good  effects,  which  have  grown  out 
of  the  law  of  1819,  the  government  is  indebted  to  the  Colo- 
nization Society.  The  latter  has  no  doubt  received  eminent 
services  from  the  former,  and  probably  has  been  able  to  sus- 
tain its  operations  in  Africa  only  through  the  aids  thus  re- 
ceived, but  still  the  project  of  a colony  belonged  to  the  So- 
ciety, and  its  efforts  have  been  turned  exclusively  to  that 
object. 

The  President  was  extremely  guarded  in  his  instructions 
to  the  agents,  and  imposed  on  them  ‘ an  express  injunction  to 
exercise  no  power  founded  on  the  principle  of  colonization.’ 
We  do  not  intend  here  to  enter  on  the  topic  of  colonization  in 
its  political  bearings  ; these  are  unquestionably  important,  and 
there  may  be  reasons  why  it  is  inexpedient  for  the  United 
States  to  found  colonies  abroad  for  any  purpose,  although  we 
have  never  seen  them  stated.  The  present  is  obviously  a 
case  in  which  the  laws  of  the  Union,  and  some  of  its  laws  of 
first  moment,  cannot  be  executed,  except  through  the  medium 
of  a colony.  Notwithstanding  the  President’s  cautious  injunc- 
tion, the  agents  have  exercised  no  power  to  any  purpose, 
which  was  not  ‘ founded  on  the  principle  of  colonization.’ 
Is  it  said,  that  this  was  only  a private  colony,  to  which  the 
agents  resorted  as  affording  them  protection,  and  facilities 
for  discharging  their  duty  ? Let  this  be  granted,  and  our 
position  will  then  hold  the  same,  that  they  have  done  nothing 
except  through  the  aids  of  a colony. 

And,  moreover,  a slight  inspection  will  show,  that  the 
colony  at  Mesurado  wants  nothing  to  make  it  a public  colony 
already,  but  the  mere  form  of  recognition  on  the  part  of  the 
government.  To  all  practical  purposes  it  has  been  such  from 
the  beginning.  Lieutenant  Stockton  of  the  United  States 
Navy  was  one  of  the  signers  to  the  treaty,  by  which  the  land 
was  ceded  to  the  Society,  and  he  afforded  such  assistance  as 


23  Advantages  of  Colonization  in  Africa. 

was  requisite  in  establishing  the  colonists  on  the  ground. 
Similar  aids  have  been  rendered  by  all  the  public  vessels  on 
the  coast.  Captain  Spence  built  a fort  on  the  Cape  at  the 
public  charge,  supplied  it  with  guns,  and  the  American  flag 
was  hoisted  on  its  battlements.  He  also  left  an  armed 
schooner  for  the  better  protection  of  the  colonists.  The  pre- 
sent agent.  Dr  Ayres,  is  appointed  under  the  law  of  Con- 
gress, and  supported  by  the  government.  These  facts  we 
state  as  evidence,  that  the  laws  against  the  slave  trade  cannot 
be  put  into  execution,  except  ‘ on  the  principle  of  coloniza- 
tion.’ All  the  efforts,  which  have  as  yet  been  made,  have 
forced  themselves  of  their  own  accord  into  this  channel,  and 
any  attempt  to  compass  the  object  on  other  principles  would 
end  in  a total  failure.  We  repeat  then,  that  to  the  Coloni- 
zation Society  belongs  the  praise  of  having  projected  the  only 
practicable  scheme  of  carrying  the  abolition  laws  into  effect, 
and  affirm,  that  these  laws  will  be  executed  in  proportion  as 
the  government,  either  directly  or  indirectly,  acts  on  the  prin- 
ciples of  this  Society.  Let  the  starting  point  be  where  it 
will,  here  is  the  centre  to  which  every  successful  movement 
will  come  at  Jast. 

Many  facts  might  be  collected  in  this  place  illustrative  of 
what  is  above  stated,  and  rendering  palpable  the  labors  of 
the  Colonization  Society,  not  more  in  promoting  the  cause 
of  humanity,  than  aiding  the  government  in  the  execution  of 
its  laws.  The  generous  and  timely  interference  of  the  Society 
in  behalf  of  the  recaptured  Africans  in  Georgia  has  been 
mentioned,  and  also  the  happy  issue  to  which  this  interfer- 
ence led,  in  calling  the  attention  of  Congress  to  the  subject, 
and  procuring  the  passage  of  law's  by  w'hich  all  persons  of 
color,  criminally  introduced  into  the  United  States,  are  under 
the  protection  of  the  general  government. 

Another  event  of  more  recent  date  has  occurred,  which 
equally  proves  the  vigilance  of  the  Society,  and  the  benefits 
of  its  labors. 

Several  months  ago  a vessel  came  into  the  harbor  of  Balti- 
more, which,  from  various  circumstances,  was  thought  to  have 
negroes  unlaw'fully  detained  on  board.  So  strong  w'as  the 
ground  of  suspicion,  that  a few  individuals  took  on  themselves 
the  responsibility  of  searching  the  vessel,  and  they  found 
concealed  eleven  negroes,  who  were  foreigners,  incapable  of 


Advantages  of  Colonization  in  Africa.  33 

speaking  or  understanding  the  English  language.  A prose- 
cution was  accordingly  entered  against  the  captain,  as  being 
engaged  in  the  slave  trade ; but  as  he  affirmed,  that  the 
negroes  were  his  own  pi  operty  lawfully  acquired,  and  no  proof 
to  the  contrary  could  be  adduced,  he  was  acquitted.  The  law 
demands,  that  in  all  doubtful  claims  to  the  property  of  slaves, 
the  labor  of  proof  shall  rest  on  the  claimant,  and  as  the 
captain,  in  the  present  case,  could  produce  no  such  proof, 
the  negroes  were  detained  by  the  court,  although  he  was 
permitted  to  escape.  Through  the  humanity  of  some  of  the 
active  members  of  the  Colonization  Society,  these  negroes 
were  provided  for,  by  being  distributed  among  several  families 
in  the  neighborhood  of  Baltimore,  to  remain  till  they  should 
learn  the  language,  and  be  able  to  express  their  wishes  in 
regard  to  their  future  destination. 

Fortunately  about  this  time,  a young  African  by  the  name 
of  Wilkinson,  a native  of  the  Susoo  country  on  the  Rio 
Pongas,  arrived  in  Baltimore.  Some  years  ago  a chief  of 
the  Susoos  entrusted  two  of  his  sons  to  the  care  of  the  captain 
of  a French  vessel,  trading  in  the  Rio  Pongas,  who  promised 
to  take  them  to  the  West  Indies,  have  them  educated,  and 
return  them  at  the  end  of  four  years.  When  the  stipulated 
time  had  gone  by,  and  nothing  was  heard  of  the  boys,  Wil- 
kinson was  despatched  to  the  West  Indies  to  search  them  out. 
He  succeeded  in  finding  them,  but  had  the  mortification  to 
learn,  that  the  treacherous  captain  had  not  been  true  to  his 
word  ; he  had  deserted  the  boys,  and  they  were  turned  over 
to  work  with  the  slaves.  Wilkinson  recovered  them,  how- 
ever, without  difficulty,  sent  them  to  their  father,  and  came 
himself  to  Baltimore  to  take  passage  home  in  the  colonization 
packet.  He  had  already  been  in  England,  and  spoke  our 
language  with  fluency. 

Soon  after  his  arrival  he  visited  some  of  the  recaptured 
Africans  just  mentioned,  and  discovered  that  they  came  from 
the  region  bordering  on  his  own  country,  and  spoke  a dialect, 
which  he  well  understood,  although  it  was  not  his  native  Susoo 
tongue.  They  were  overjoyed  at  seeing  a person  with  whom 
they  could  converse,  but  were  incredulous  when  he  told  them, 
that  they  were  free,  and  might  return  home  if  they  chose. 
They  said  he  was  deceiving  them,  that  they  knew  they  were 
.“slaves,  and  should  never  again  see  their  native  land,  their 
5 


34  Advantages  of  Colonization  in  Africa. 

relatives,  and  friends.  So  thoroughly  were  they  impressed 
with  the  melancholy  conviction  of  being  in  slavery,  that  no 
protestations  on  his  part  could  make  tliem  believe  in  his  entire 
sincerity.  They  exclaimed  with  raptures  at  the  thought  of 
freedom,  and  of  going  back  to  Africa,  but  would  not  hope 
that  such  a dream  could  ever  be  realized. 

The  situation  of  these  persons  was  made  known  by  the 
Colonization  Society  to  the  President  of  the  United  States, 
who  said,  that  if  proper  certificates  were  given  of  their  desire 
to  return,  the  government  would  pay  the  expense  of  trans- 
portation. The  navy  agent  at  Baltimore  was  ordered  to  have 
them  examined.  They  were  brought  together  for  this  pur- 
pose, and  as  the  examination  could  only  be  carried  on 
through  Wilkinson  as  interpreter,  he  gave  his  testimony  under 
oath.  We  shall  speak  of  this  interesting  examination  nearly 
in  the  words  of  Mr  Coale,  Secretary  of  the  Baltimore  Auxi- 
liary Society,  who  was  present,  and  took  an  account  of  the 
proceedings  in  widting. 

The  general  question  was  put  to  them  severally,  whether 
they  wished  to  remain  in  this  country  as  freemen,  or  be  sent 
to  Mesurado,  and  thence,  if  practicable,  to  their  homes  ? 
Dowrey  was  the  first,  who  was  called  to  answer.  He  was  a 
chief  in  his  own  country,  of  whom  Wilkinson  had  some  know- 
ledge. He  replied  ; ‘ I wish  to  go  home,  I wish  to  see  my 
father,  my  wife,  and  children,  I have  been  at  Mesurado,  1 
live  but  three  days’  walk  from  that  place.’  Barterou  answer- 
ed ; ‘ Let  me  go  home,  I have  a wife,  I have  two  children, 
1 live  a morning’s  walk  from  Dowrey.’  The  next  person 
called  was  Mousah,  the  son  of  a highly  respectable  chief, 
with  whom  Wilkinson  was  personally  acquainted.  He  had 
been  living  with  General  Harper,  and  when  asked  if  he  was 
not  disposed  to  remain,  and  be  instructed,  and  go  home  here- 
after and  teach  his  countrymen,  he  replied  ; ‘ General  Harper 
is  a good  man,  he  will  give  me  clothes  and  food,  and  be  kind 
to  me,  but  he  cannot  give  me  my  wife  and  children.’  When 
the  general  question  was  put  to  Cubangerie,  he  replied  ; 
‘ Why  do  you  ask  this  over  and  over  ? Do  you  not  know 
that  nothing  is  so  dear  as  a man’s  home  ? I am  so  rejoiced 
at  the  thought  of  returning,  that  I want  words  to  express  my 
thanks.’  Mazzey  said  ; ‘ My  mother  is  living,  my  father  is 
living,  I have  two  sisters,  I shall  be  grateful  to  those,  who 


Advantages  of  Colonization  in  Africa.  35 

send  me  to  my  family  and  friends.’  The  answer  of  Fanghali 
was ; ‘ I shall  be  joyful  to  go  home,  I have  a father,  mother, 
wife,  sister,  and  three  children  to  meet  me  in  my  own 
country.’  Corree  said,  that  all  he  desired  was  to  be  landed 
in  Africa,  and  he  should  soon  find  his  way  home.  Banhah 
made  nearly  the  same  reply. 

After  these  eight  persons  were  examined,  they  expressed 
great  anxiety  to  be  joined  by  two  of  their  companions  not 
present.  These  had  been  placed  with  a man,  who,  it  seems, 
was  unwilling  to  part  with  them,  and  had  reported  that  they 
wished  to  remain.  This  proved  to  be  a false  pretence,  set 
up  with  a view  to  profit  by  the  labor  of  the  negroes  ; and 
whatever  may  be  the  power  of  the  law  in  such  a case,  it  will 
be  difficult  to  make  it  appear  in  the  eye  of  justice  in  any 
better  light,  than  the  crime  of  being  engaged  in  the  slave 
trade.  A writ  on  a fictitious  suit  was  taken  out  against  the 
negroes,  and  they  were  thus  released  from  thraldom,  and 
brought  to  the  place  of  examination.  When  they  arrived, 
their  companions  sprang  with  ecstaciesto  meet  them,  embrac- 
ed them  again  and  again,  caught  them  in  their  arms,  raised 
them  from  the  ground,  and  continued  for  half  an  hour  at 
intervals  to  embrace  and  shake  them  by  the  hand.  Nothing 
could  exceed  their  joy  when  told  that  they  were  frecj  and 
would  sail  in  a day  or  two  for  Africa. 

These  ten  persons,  thus  providentially  rescued  from  per- 
petual slavery,  and  made  happy  in  the  anticipations  of  again 
beholding  their  native  land,  and  of  carrying  gladness  to  many 
a weeping,  disconsolate  heart,  owed  their  deliverance  chiefly 
to  the  Colonization  Society.  They  have  gone  home  to  prove 
to  their  countrymen  and  friends,  that  white  men  are  not  all 
barbarians,  trafficers  in  human  flesh  and  artificers  of  human 
misery,  but  that  the  flame  of  benevolent  feeling  may  some- 
times kindle  and  burn,  even  in  the  breasts  of  this  portion  of 
their  race,  whom  they  had  hitherto  known  only  as  catchers  of 
their  own  species,  and  workers  in  crime.  We  know  not  the 
springs  of  other  men’s  joys,  but  as  for  ourselves,  call  it  weak- 
ness, or  enthusiasm,  or  what  you  will,  we  frankly  confess, 
that  the  heartfelt  delight  of  having  been  instrumental  in 
restoring  these  men  to  freedom  and  happiness,  would  have 
been  to  us  a double  compensation  for  all  the  embarrassments, 
rebuffs,  and  obstacles,  numerous  and  severe  as  they  have 


oG  Advantages  of  Colonization  in  Africa. 

been,  which  the  members  of  the  Society  have  thus  far  expe- 
rienced. Had  they  brought  to  pass  from  the  beginning  only 
this  one  deed,  we  would  lift  up  our  voice  in  praise  of  their 
noble  achievement,  and  say  they  had  been  blessed  with  a 
good  reward.  These  rescued  Africans,  full  of  gratitude  for 
their  deliverers,  sailed  with  Wilkinson  in  the  Fidelity  for 
Mesurado,  in  the  month  of  October  last.  Dr  Ayres  had 
directions  to  send  them  home  as  soon  as  they  arrived.  One 
boy  still  remains.  He  spoke  a different  language  from  any 
of  the  others,  and  could  not  be  understood  by  them.  He 
will  doubtless  be  returned,  when  he  shall  have  learnt  our  lan- 
guage sufficiently  to  make  known  his  wishes. 

In  regard  to  the  advantages,  which  may  be  expected  to 
Africa  itself  from  a colony  in  that  country,  they  are  too 
numerous  to  be  mentioned  in  detail,  and  the  most  of  them 
too  obvious  to  require  much  remark.  From  the  time  the 
eloquence  of  Wilberforce,  and  the  high  minded,  untiring 
zeal  of  Clarkson,  first  awakened  a slumbering  world  to  a 
recognition  of  the  dearest,  although  long  forgotten  rights  of 
humanity,  down  to  the  present  pei’iod,  every  day  has  proved 
the  grand  secret  of  African  degradation  to  consist  in  the 
slave  trade.  Abolish  this  effectually  and  forever,  and  you 
have  done  all ; you  have  raised  a prostrate  continent  to  a 
proud  eminence  in  the  rank  of  physical  and  moral  being. 
The  laws  of  civilized  countries  will  avail  something,  but  ten- 
fold greater  will  be  the  influence  of  a well  ordered  colony 
residing  in  the  midst  of  the  people,  teaching  them  the  arts  of 
life,  showing  them  the  value  of  mental  and  moral  improve- 
ment, and  convincing  them  by  example,  that  civilization  in 
all  its  branches  is  the  spring  and  the  safeguard  of  human 
happiness.  The  spirit,  which  cherishes  the  unholy  practice 
of  slavery,  holds  dominion  in  the  minds  of  the  people,  planted 
there,  and  nurtured  there,  it  is  true,  by  the  avarice,  cupidity, 
and  crimes  of  civilized  barbarians,  yet  it  must  be  rooted  out 
and  destroyed  in  its  source,  before  the  evil  will  cease.  Let 
the  navies  of  the  world  be  combined,  and  line  the  coast  of 
Africa  from  Tangier  to  Babelmandel,  and  even  make  it  cer- 
tain that  not  a slave  shall  escape,  this  would  not  be  abolish- 
ing the  slave  trade.  The  spirit  would  still  lurk  in  the  vitals 
of  one  hundred  and  fifty  millions  of  people,  and  even  in  this 
sphere,  narrow  compared  with  its  present  extent,  it  would 


Advantages  of  Colonization  in  Africa.  37 

show  Itself  in  all  the  miseries  of  intestine  wars  and  plunder- 
ings, misrule  in  government,  and  heartrending  separations  in 
the  domestic  and  social  circles. 

As  a first  step,  the  slave  trade  must  cease ; the  work  of 
humanity  will  then  be  commenced ; the  door  of  legalized 
crime  will  be  closed,  and  the  dawn  of  innocence  will  rise  to 
witness  the  expiring  struggles  of  guilt.  Next  enlighten  the 
natives,  and  the  cause  of  humanity  will  be  completely  vindi- 
cated ; nature  will  teach  the  rest ; governments  will  grow  up, 
founded  on  the  eternal  basis  of  truth  and  right ; peace  and 
happiness  will  reign  in  the  land  ; the  horn  of  plenty  will  pour 
its  abundant  stores  at  the  feet  of  the  laborer ; wisdom  will 
assert  her  empire  in  the  mind ; the  affections  will  bloom  with 
new  freshness  and  fragrance  in  the  heart;  and  the  injured, 
insulted,  degraded  African  will  rise  to  a level  with  his  species, 
and  prove  to  his  deriding  oppressors,  that  the  same  God,  who 
has  stamped  his  image  on  other  men,  has  in  equal  kindness 
bestowed  on  him  in  full  measure  the  sources  of  feeling,  the 
power  of  intellect,  and  all  the  ennobling  principles  of  human 
nature. 

These  two  objects,  the  suppression  of  the  slave  trade,  and 
the  practical  civilization  of  Africa,  may  be  pursued  together. 
Each  will  advance  the  other.  A colony  on  the  coast,  at  the 
same  time  it  affords  facilities  for  carrying  into  effect  the  laws 
against  the  slave  trade,  will  be  a post  of  observation  to  detect 
illegal  trafficers,  and,  by  heightening  the  risk,  to  discourage 
the  boldness  of  adventurers.  The  hiding  places  of  mischief 
will  be  revealed,  and  proper  remedies  applied  ; the  artifices 
of  iniquity  will  be  laid  open,  and  the  machinations  of  delibe- 
rate crime  frustrated.  The  interests  of  a colony  will  har- 
monize with  its  favorable  circumstances,  and  prompt  it  to 
watchfulness,  and  a speedy  exposure  of  abuses.  It  can  give 
timely  information  to  public  cruisers,  and  guide  their  efibrts 
to  a more  efficient  service. 

But  the  good  effects  of  a colony  have  yet  a much  higher 
character,  as  seen  in  the  local  and  moral  improvement  of  the 
natives  within  its  influence.  Wars  in  Africa  are  terrific ; like 
armies  of  devouring  locusts,  they  pass  over  the  land  and 
leave  a depopulated  desert  behind.  ‘ To  give  no  quarter  to 
an  enemy,’  says  Governor  Ludlam,  ‘ or  to  put  to  death  pri- 
soners taken  in  the  field,  would  doubtless  reduce  their  nura- 


38 


Advantages  of  Colonization  in  Africa. 

ber  ; but  men,  and  men  in  arms,  would  be  the  only  sufferers  ; 
and  the  slaughter  of  an  army  would  tend  to  put  an  end  to 
the  war.  In  Africa,  however,  war  is  made  equally  on  men, 
women,  and  children  ; those  who  are  unable  to  lift  a weapon 
are  as  much  its  victims,  as  those  who  carry  a musket,  and  a 
chief  can  never  want  funds  for  carrying  on  a war,  so  long  as 
his  enemy  has  abundance  of  people.’  It  is  to  be  remember- 
ed, however,  that  the  motives,  which  drive  Africans  to  war, 
are  different  from  those  of  all  other  nations.  They  are  not 
stimulated  by  revenge,  like  the  savage  Indians ; nor  hurried 
on  by  the  impulse  of  wanton  cruelty,  like  the  Moors  of  the 
desert ; nor  restless  with  the  ambition  of  rising  above  their 
neighbors,  and  extending  their  dominion,  like  more  civilized 
warriors.  The  mere  love  of  indolence,  and  desire  of  minis- 
tering to  their  wants  and  pleasures  with  the  least  trouble ; 
these,  unsubdued  by  any  power  of  moral  principle,  which 
refinement  would  quicken,  are  the  original  springs  of  African 
wars.  These  springs  are  kept  in  action,  if  they  were  not 
created,  by  the  slave  trade.  The  natives  steal  and  sell  one 
another,  because  purchasers  are  always  at  hand ; they  go  out 
to  battle  for  the  same  reason,  and  exult  in  victory  only  as  its 
trophies  of  human  victims  will  glut  the  avarice  of  the  slavers 
on  the  coast. 

The  same  causes  have  introduced  among  them  a kind  of 
judiciary  system,  not  less  unprincipled  and  shocking  to  hu- 
manity. An  accused  person  is  summoned  before  a chief,  or 
headman,  on  the  merest  pretence  of  misdemeanor,  subjected 
to  a mock  trial,  and  condemned  to  slavery ; and  it  may  be 
the  unfortunate  sufferer  is  one  of  the  domestics  or  family 
connexions  of  his  accuser  and  judge.  Chiefs  will  combine, 
and  hold  palavers  on  another  chief,  and  sentence  him  to  a 
fine  of  a certain  number  of  slaves.  These  he  must  procure 
by  violently  seizing  his  own  people,  or  sending  marauders  to 
kidnap  them  among  his  neighbors.  Courts  of  this  sort,  which 
were  introduced  by  the  slave  trade,  are  sanctioned  by  cus- 
tom, and  upheld  by  the  laws  of  the  land.  Another  terrible 
mode  of  trial  is  by  the  Red  Water,  which  is  generally  on  the 
charge  of  witchcraft.  Few  survive  this  operation.  All  who 
die  are  accounted  guilty,  and  the  common  result  is,  that 
several  persons  belonging  to  the  family  of  the  deceased  are 
doomed  to  slavery. 


Advantages  of  Colonization  in  Africa.  80 

We  are  here  speaking  of  customs,  which  time  has  matured, 
and  which  the  natives  do  not  suppose  to  be  criminal.  What 
more  probable  remedy  can  be  held  out  for  these  local  and 
formidable  evils  than  colonization  ? Let  the  slave  trade  be 
abandoned,  and  the  thrifty  business  of  man-stealing  and  man- 
killing will  no  doubt  droop,  and  perhaps  be  neglected,  because 
it  will  be  unprofitable.  But  to  wbat  honest  and  useful  occu- 
pation shall  the  natives  then  resort.^  The  arts  of  industry 
they  have  never  learnt,  and  its  happy  effects  they  have  never 
experienced.  If,  however,  they  can  in  the  meantime  wit- 
ness the  rising  prosperity  of  a separate  body  of  colonists, 
who  enjoy  no  local  advantages  over  themselves,  and  who  gain 
strength  and  gather  comforts  around  them,  by  a course  of  life 
directly  opposed  to  the  one,  which  they  have  pursued,  will 
not  such  an  example  touch  the  rudest  mind,  and  compel  it  to 
think  and  deliberate  ? Will  it  not  slowly  unrivet  the  chains 
of  habits,  which  do  such  violence  to  nature,  unlock  the  prison 
house  of  tlie  moral  sense,  and  give  freedom  and  energy  to 
the  long  enthralled  intellect  ? Such  will  be  the  natural  pro- 
gress of  events.  We  have  the  uniform  testimony  of  writers, 
and  what  is  more  than  all,  the  authority  of  Park,  that  the 
negro  character  is  mild,  gentle,  and  generous,  not  prone  to 
resentments,  and  equally  ready  to  forget,  and  reluctant  to 
inflict  an  injury.  This  is  far  from  being  a warlike,  or  vicious 
character ; such  odious  traits,  as  it  now  possesses,  have  been 
engrafted  into  it  by  hands  better  practised  than  their  own  in 
the  devices  of  wickedness ; and  these  must  be  removed  by  a 
process  as  gradual  as  that,  by  which  they  have  taken  so  deep 
a root,  and  acquired  so  firm  a trunk.  Better  habits  will  grow 
out  of  better  principles ; the  ferocity  of  ignorance,  and  the 
bane  of  indolence,  will  disappear  before  the  rising  light  of 
knowledge. 

Subsidiary  to  these  great  ends  will  be  the  mental  culture, 
and  religious  instruction,  derived  to  the  natives  from  the 
direct  labors  and  indirect  influence  of  a colony.  We  have 
no  room  here  to  engage  in  a defence  of  the  African  intellect. 
We  shall  leave  it,  for  the  present,  to  the  Abbe  Gregoire  and 
his  followers  to  search  out  the  existence  and  the  merits  of 
African  literature,  and  to  Buffon  and  the  naturalists  to  prove 
from  the  physical  organization  of  the  negroes,  that  they  are 
inferior  to  other  branches  of  the  human  race.  We  have  as 


) 


40  Advantages  of  Colonization  in  Africa. 

little  disposition  to  magnify  as  to  depreciate  their  native  powers, 
and  with  all  our  sensibility  to  the  injuries  they  have  suffered, 
we  have  no  eulogies  to  bestow  on  their  intellectual  greatness, 
nor  any  encouragements  to  offer,  from  what  they  have  done, 
that  extraordinary  results  are  to  be  expected  hereafter.  We 
do  say,  however,  that  a fair  experiment  has  not  been  tried. 
Place  Europeans  under  the  same  train  of  circumstances  for 
centuries,  and  we  know  not  on  what  principles  of  human  na- 
ture, or  maxims  of  philosophy,  or  rules  of  political  calculation, 
it  could  be  supposed  they  would  act  differently,  or  raise  them- 
selves higher.  In  their  own  country,  the  negroes  are  an 
inquisitive  people  ; they  have  a high  respect  for  learning,  and 
are  fond  of  having  their  children  instructed. 

Wherever  they  have  been  visited  by  the  whites,  they  have 
expressed  a willingness  to  have  teachers  come  among  them, 
and  to  send  their  youths  abroad  to  be  educated.  It  has  been 
no  uncommon  thing  for  chiefs  to  put  their  sons  under  the  care 
of  captains  of  slave  ships,  who  have  taken  them  to  the  West 
Indies,  placed  them  at  school  for  a stated  time,  and  then  sent 
them  home.  Children  from  the  neighborhood  of  Sierra 
Leone  have  been  educated  in  England,  and  then  returned  to 
their  friends.  Sixteen  years  ago  there  were  eight  mission- 
aries in  the  Susoo  country,  who  enjoyed  the  protection  of  the 
chiefs,  and  were  encouraged  by  them  to  establish  schools. 
They  lived  in  tranquillity,  and  were  successful,  till  they  un- 
dertook to  interfere  in  matters  of  state,  suggest  changes  in  the 
government  and  laws,  and  thus,  in  the  spirit  of  the  more 
shrewd  Jesuits,  to  act  the  triple  character  of  schoolmasters, 
divines,  and  politicians.  They  were  then  dismissed  from  the 
country,  though  not  without  regret  on  the  part  of  the  chiefs, 
who  were  pleased  with  the  instructions  they  had  given.  A 
valuable  monument  of  their  labors  still  exists  in  a Susoo  Gram- 
mar and  Vocabulary,  a translation  of  a part  of  the  New  Tes- 
tament, and  several  tracts.  This  task  was  chiefly  performed 
by  Mr  Brunton,  aided  by  a number  of  Susoo  youths,  who  had 
lived  in  England.  Among  the  Susoo  people,  whose  language 
is  spoken  over  a territory  larger  than  Great  Britain,  these 
works  are  now  to  be  found. 

The  Arabic  is  spoken  and  written  by  a few  persons  in 
nearly  all  parts  of  the  interior,  of  which  any  knowledge  has 
been  obtained.  Young  persons  are  sent  to  a great  distance 


41 


Advantages  of  Colonizati&n  in  Africa. 

to  be  instructed  in  Arabic  learning,  which,  after  all,  consists 
in  little  else,  than  being  able  to  read  the  Koran,  and  speak 
and  write  the  language.  We  have  been  made  acquainted, 
from  the  best  authority,  with  one  instance,  in  which  a young 
man  was  sent  to  Timbuctoo  for  an  education  of  this  sort,  from 
the  banks  of  the  Rio  Pongas,  a distance  of  fifteen  hundred 
miles.  Some  of  the  more  distinguished  chiefs  correspond 
with  one  another  in  Arabic,  and  give  passports  to  travellers  in 
the  same  language.  We  have  before  us  a translation  of  an 
address  orignally  witten  in  Arabic,  and  sent  three  years  ago 
by  Dakhaba,  king  of  Bambarana,  to  the  ‘ kings  and  chiefs  of 
' the  West,’  or  in  humbler  phrase,  to  the  governor  of  Sierra 
Leone,  and  king  George  of  England.  It  is  couched  in  a 
gorgeous  style  of  oriental  hyperbole,  worthy  of  a Dey  of 
Algiers,  or  a Bashaw  of  Tripoli,  and  shows  at  least,  that  the 
sense  of  regal  dignity  is  far  from  being  extinct  in  the  breasts 
of  the  monarchs,  whose  dominions  spread  over  the  sources  of 
the  Niger  and  the  Gambia.  We  have  also  seen  a specimen 
of  Arabic  composition  from  the  hand  of  an  African,  now  a 
slave  in  this  country,  which  was  not  only  written  with  readi- 
ness and  ease,  but  with  striking  elegance  of  chirography. 
He  is  from  the  interior  of  Africa,  and  was  taught  in  his  owm 
country. 

These  facts  prove  all  we  desire  in  the  present  connexion, 
which  is,  that  the  natives  of  Africa  are  in  some  degree  sensi- 
ble of  their  ignorance,  and  willing  to  be  made  wiser.  Could 
a more  propitious  beginning  be  imagined,  or  a field  be  better 
prepared  for  culture  ^ You  have  no  obstinacy  to  conquer, 
no  wild  and  restless  wanderings  of  a thoroughly  savage  dis- 
position to  tame,  no  contempt  of  knowledge  and  the  refine- 
ment of  civilized  life  to  soften,  no  torpid  indifference  to  rouse, 
no  spectres  of  a paralyzing  superstition  to  dispel.  You  have 
minds  to  deal  with  naturally  simple  and  artless,  tractable  in 
temper,  docile,  ready  to  learn,  and  requiring  only  the  use  of 
judicious  means  properly  applied. 

These  positions  are  verified,  not  more  by  the  above  facts, 
than  by  the  instance  of  Sierra  Leone.  In  the  twelve  schools 
of  that  colony,  there  are  now  two  thousand  persons  of  different 
ages,  under  the  care  of  about  thirty  teachers.  Their  general 
good  deportment,  and  progress  in  learning,  are  represented, 
by  the  committees  appointed  to  examine  the  schools,  in  terms 
6 


42  Advantages  of  Colonization  in  Africa. 

the  most  flattering.  They  were  all  recaptured  from  slave 
ships.  Some  have  already  become  teachers  themselves,  and 
gone  out  to  instruct  the  tribes  bordering  on  the  colony.  The 
mechanic  arts,  agriculture,  the  plainer  branches  of  manufac- 
tures, and  whatever  gives  a spur  to  invention,  value  to  labor, 
a right  direction  to  power,  strength  to  morals,  and  refinement 
to  thought,  may  well  be  reckoned  among  the  elements  of  an 
African  education,  which  the  natives  are  glad  to  learn  and 
capable  of  receiving. 

But  with  none  of  these  things  can  the  natives  become  ac- 
quainted, except  through  the  agency  of  colonization.  They 
must  be  taught  at  home,  or  not  at  all ; if  they  are  ever  to  be 
raised  to  a higher  rank,  and  to  know  the  blessings  of  civilized 
life,  it  must  be  on  the  soil,  which  gave  them  birth.  And 
what  should  prevent  a colony,  founded  on  just  principles,  from 
communicating  to  the  extent  of  its  influence  all  needed  in- 
struction ? We  do  not  expect  the  natives  of  Africa  will  become 
at  once  adepts  in  science,  literature,  or  the  arts ; nor  do  we 
look  for  the  time,  when  they  are  to  be  statesmen,  orators, 
poets,  philosophers.  Whether  they  will  ever  shine  as  lumi- 
naries in  the  world  of  mind  and  sentiment,  is  a question  we 
are  not  ambitious  to  solve.  Whether  their  future  poets  will 
rival  the  ancient  bards  of  Dahomy,  who  are  said  to  have  re- 
hearsed poems,  which  took  up  several  days  in  the  recital, 
may  be  left  to  the  speculation  of  the  curious.  Even  centi’al 
Africa  boasts  of  its  antiquity,  and,  if  the  legends  tell  truth, 
when  Orpheus  was  charming  the  forests  into  life,  and  Hesiod 
was  tracing  the  genealogies  of  the  gods,  and  weaving  nature 
and  time  into  song,  and  Homer  was  singing  the  wars  of  the 
Greeks  and  the  wanderings  of  Ulysses,  then  the  bards  of 
Nigritia  were  celebrating  the  exploits  of  their  heroes,  and 
publishing  the  records  of  their  renown  in  the  ears  of  listening 
kings  and  admiring  nations.  If  such  times  have  been,  they 
are  long  gone  by,  and  it  is  not  among  our  fond  dreams,  that 
they  are  soon  to  be  revived.  Nay,  we  are  willing  to  confess, 
that  we  hope  more  from  the  descendants  of  the  countrymen  of 
Hesiod  and  Homer,  even  under  the  cruel  rod  of  a Turkish 
despotism,  and  what  is  scarcely  less  discouraging,  the  unfeel- 
ing neglect  of  a northern  autocracy,  which  dreads  that  liberty 
should  breathe  in  the  earth,  than  we  do  from  the  degenerate 
Dahomans,  or  their  equally  unfortunate  brethren  of  other 


Advantages  of  Colonization  in  Africa.  4i> 

nations,  who  have  suffered  for  ages  under  the  discipline  of 
the  slave  trade.  But  notwithstanding  this  concession,  we  hold, 
that  from  competent  teachers,  and  the  example  of  a well  or- 
ganized community  before  their  eyes,  they  may  learn  enough 
to  qualify  them  for  the  happy  state  of  society,  which  consists 
in  a right  use  of  the  bounties  of  nature,  and  a proper  estimate 
of  the  value  of  labor,  industry,  and  virtue.  Nothing  more  is 
hoped  or  desired  from  the  immediate  effects  of  a colony. 

In  regard  to  religious  instruction,  no  heathens  can  be  so  easily 
initiated  into  the  principles  of  Christianity,  as  the  inhabitants 
of  central  and  western  Africa.  They  believe  for  the  most 
part  in  a Supreme  Being,  but  their  notions  are  obscure,  with- 
out system  or  consistency.  They  have  no  conceptions  of  the 
attributes  of  God,  nor  do  they  ascribe  the  operations  of  nature 
to  his  agency.  When  Artus  told  them,  that  their  gold,  fruits, 
and  flocks  were  given  them  by  the  Deity,  they  replied,  ‘ the 
earth  gives  us  gold,  the  earth  yields  us  maize  and  rice,  the 
sea  affords  us  fish,  but  if  we  do  not  labor  ourselves,  we  may 
starve  before  our  God  will  help  us.’  They  believe  in  an  evil 
and  good  principle,  existing  in  distinct  forms,  each  of  which 
has  power  over  them ; and  they  are  also  strongly  affected  by 
charms,  termed  fetiches  on  the  coast,  and  Obi  in  the  West 
Indies.  It  matters  not  of  what  material  the  charm  is  made  ; 
when  once  consecrated  in  the  imagination  of  the  person 
whose  reverence  it  commands,  it  is  supposed  to  have  a power 
little  inferior  to  that  of  the  Deity,  and  to  hold  in  its  mysterious 
virtues  the  destiny  of  mortals. 

Such  a religion  has  too  few  points  of  consistency  to  acquire 
any  strength  by  age ; its  principles  are  too  vague  to  gain  a 
permanent  entrance  into  the  mind ; it  has  nothing  to  engage 
the  fancy  or  captivate  the  understanding.  It  is  not  like  the 
magnificent  fabric  of  Chinese  theology,  made  sacred  by  the 
veperated  names  of  ancient  statesmen  and  sages,  standing  as 
the  firmest  pillar  of  the  empire,  and  secured  from  innovation 
by  the  impermeable  panoply  of  a language,  which  to  change 
would  be  to  destroy.  Nor  is  it  like  the  more  philosophical, 
and  perhaps  more  ancient  system  of  the  Hindoos,  rendered 
imposing  by  its  thousand  volumes  of  commentaries,  and  per- 
petuated by  an  unceasing,  overgrown  priesthood.  Nor  is  it 
like  the  monstrous  folly  of  the  Tartars,  where  the  wn-etched 
idea  of  a Grand  Lama  has  driven  common  sense  from  the 


44  Practicability  of  Colonization  in  Africa. 

minds  of  millions,  and  united  them  in  an  unconquerable  system 
of  visionary  absurdity.  In  short,  the  world  does  not  contain 
an  uncivilized  people,  more  free  from  the  bias  of  heathenism, 
than  the  negroes. 

The  task  of  plucking  out  errors,  and  eradicating  deep 
rooted  superstitions,  which  is  so  formidable  in  most  cases,  is 
one  of  little  difficulty  with  them.  The  soil  is  already  prepared 
for  the  seed ; and  this  only  requires  to  be  scattered  with  a 
careful  hand,  and  nurtured  with  gentleness  and  skill.  The 
Mahometans  have  had  good  success,  and  many  persons  in  the 
central  parts  of  Africa  have  been  brought  over  to  their  faith. 
What  then  may  we  not  expect  from  the  simple  and  engaging 
truths  of  Christianity  Shall  we  say,  that  the  sublime  doc- 
trines of  Jesus,  and  the  holy  precepts  of  his  religion,  have  less 
power  to  convert  the  heathen,  than  the  profane  vagaries  of 
the  Arabian  impostor  ; or  that  the  rude  followers  of  the  latter 
have  more  zeal,  than  the  humble  disciples  of  the  former  ^ 
What  Christian  will  listen  to  so  ungracious  an  imputation  ^ 
The  inference  must  be  allowed,  then,  both  from  a view  of  the 
religion  of  the  negroes,  and  the  success  of  Mahometanism 
among  them,  that  they  are  better  prepared,  than  any  other 
barbarous  people,  to  receive  religious  instruction  and  adopt 
new  principles  of  faith.  Thus  may  a colony  be  accessary  to 
the  advancement  of  religious  truth,  which  could  come  from 
no  other  quarter,  as  well  as  to  the  civil  improvement,  temporal 
interests,  and  social  happiness  of  the  people  among  whom  it 
is  stationed. 

Having  now  closed  what  we  proposed  to  say  on  the  advan- 
tages of  colonization  to  this  country  and  Africa,  we  proceed 
to  a few  hints  on  its  practicability. 

The  objection,  which  has  been  urged  with  considerable 
emphasis  against  the  Colonization  Society,  that  the  scheme  of 
forming  a colony  in  Africa  is  impracticable,  we  think  suffi- 
ciently answered  by  the  fact,  that  numerous  colonies  have 
been  settled  there,  some  of  which  are  now  of  long  standing. 
The  Portuguese,  the  French,  the  Danes,  and  the  English, 
have  establishments  scattered  along  the  coast  from  Cape  Verde 
to  the  Cape  of  Good  Hope,  which  must  no  doubt  be  profitable 
to  those  governments,  or  they  would  not  have  been  maintained 
till  the  present  time.  More  than  a century  ago  the  French 
established  a post  on  the  Senegal,  upwards  of  four  hundred 


45 


Practicability  of  Colonization  in  Africa. 

miles  from  its  mouth  ; at  Congo  the  Portuguese  have  grown 
into  a numerous  colony ; and  at  the  southern  extremity  of 
Africa,  the  Dutch  and  English  together  have  spread  over  a 
country  larger  than  the  southern  peninsula  of  Europe.  As  it 
is  not,  therefore,  a question  to  be  soberly  discussed,  whether  it 
is  possible  for  America  to  do  what  half  a dozen  other  nations 
have  done,  the  notion  that  colonization  is  impracticable  hardly 
deserves  to  be  considered. 

We  may  here  revert  again  to  Sierra  Leone,  as  affording 
an  instance  more  directly  in  point  for  our  present  purpose, 
because  it  was  founded  on  principles  nearly  allied  to  those  of 
the  Colonization  Society.  It  was  started  by  a private  com- 
pany, and  the  original  settlers  were  taken  from  abroad.  At 
the  close  of  the  American  Revolution  many  negroes,  who  had 
left  their  masters  during  the  war,  and  gone  over  to  the  British 
standard,  were  dispersed  in  the  Bahama  Islands  and  Nova 
Scotia,  where  the  white  loyalists  took  refuge.  Some  found 
their  way  to  London.  Four  hundred  of  these  were  shipped 
by  their  own  consent  to  Sierra  Leone  in  1787.  The  black 
settlers  in  Nova  Scotia  became  dissatisfied  with  the  rigorous 
treatment  they  received,  and  complained  to  the  British  min- 
istry. Emigration  was  thought  the  only  remedy,  and  twelve 
hundred  accepted  the  invitation  to  be  transported  at  the 
expense  of  the  government  to  Sierra  Leone,  w^here  they 
arrived  five  years  after  those  from  London.  It  thus  appears, 
that  the  colony  at  Sierra  Leone  was  first  settled  by  negroes, 
who  had  been  slaves  in  this  country,  habituated  to  the  same 
climate,  and  possessing  the  same  character,  as  the  persons 
with  whom  it  is  contemplated  to  supply  the  new  American 
colony.  The  Maroons  from  Jamaica  did  not  arrive  till  1805. 
The  land  was  obtained  by  purchase  of  the  natives. 

For  some  time  the  colony  proceeded  but  slowly;  it  was 
attacked  by  the  French;  the  natives  were  hostile;  sickness 
made  its  ravages ; want  and  fatigue  caused  despondency. 
But  these  difficulties  were  conquered  in  due  time ; the  lands 
were  cleared ; villages  are  now  rising  up,  churches  and 
schools  are  multiplying,  agriculture  has  become  a settled 
occupation,  and  society  has  assumed  a shape  denoting  the 
regularity  and  happiness  of  civilized  life.  The  Sierra  Leone 
Colony  now  consists  of  twelve  thousand  inhabitants,  nearly 
ten  thousand  of  whom  are  recaptured  Africans,  thus  rescued 


46  Practicability  of  Colonization  in  Africa. 

from  an  inhuman  bondage,  which  would  otherwise  have  been 
entailed  on  them  and  their  posterity  forever.  Why  shall  not 
the  colony  at  Mesurado  accomplish  as  much  in  the  same 
time  ? And  should  it  promise  no  more,  who  will  refuse  to 
give  his  heart  and  his  hands  to  a work,  which  may  save  ten 
thousand  of  his  fellow  beings  from  slavery  and  wretchedness  ? 

It  has  been  a good  deal  insisted  on,  as  a proof  of  the  im- 
practicability of  colonization,  that  emigrants  could  not  be 
induced  to  embark.  Experience  has  shown  the  futility  of 
this  objection.  Volunteers  have  ever  been  ready  in  greater 
numbers,  than  the  Society  could  receive,  and  at  this  time  the 
names  of  more  persons  are  on  the  list  of  application,  than  it 
would  be  prudent  to  send  at  once.  They  should  not  be 
suffered  to  go  out  faster  than  they  can  be  well  provided  for, 
and  we  presume  that  two  or  three  hundred  a year  would  be 
quite  as  many  as  could  find  comfortable  quarters  in  a new 
colony.  The  ratio  of  capacity  for  receiving  others  will  of 
course  increase  very  rapidly  ; it  will  be  in  proportion  to  the 
surplus  of  labor  among  the  resident  colonists  over  what  is 
necessary  to  supply  their  immediate  wants.  The  avails  of 
the  rest  can  be  appropriated  to  the  use  of  new  adventurers, 
in  supplying  them  with  food,  houses,  and  other  requisites  of 
life.  On  this  principle  the  time  will  come,  in  the  natural 
progress  of  things,  when  there  will  be  ability  to  provide  for 
emigrants  in  Africa  as  fast  as  the  condition  of  the  blacks,  and 
the  established  order  of  society,  will  permit  them  to  depart 
from  this  country.  The  early  disasters  at  Sierra  Leone  were 
owing  in  a great  measure  to  the  numbers  landed  at  once, 
without  comfortable  dwellings,  clothes,  provisions,  and  good 
attendance  in  sickness.  Our  own  colony  has  experienced 
similar  calamities  from  the  same  causes. 

Again,  it  has  been  said,  that  the  expense  of  transportation 
is  so  great,  as  to  prevent  its  being  carried  to  any  available 
extent.  This  objection  is  founded  on  a false  estimate  of 
facts,  as  any  one  may  be  convinced,  who  will  thoroughly 
examine  the  subject.*  The  Society  has  sent  out  emigrants 
at  fifty  dollars  a piece,  and  it  might  be  done  much  lower, 
if  the  business  were  prosecuted  on  a large  scale.  Many 

*For  an  elaborate  and  ingenious  calculation  in  regard  to  the  expense  of 
transportation,  see  extracts  from  the  Frederic  County  Auxiliary  Society,  in 
the  .appendix  to  the  Fourth  Annual  Report  oj  the  Colonization  Society,  p.  57. 


Practicahility  of  Colonization  in  Africa.  47 

colored  persons  have  propertj'  more  than  sufficient  to  pay  their 
own  passage,  and  laws  might  be  passed  to  cause  others  to 
save  their  earnings,  till  they  amounted  to  enough  for  tlieir  pas- 
sage money.  Besides,  what  should  prevent  some  of  our 
public  vessels  being  employed  in  this  work,  and  at  an  expense 
very  little  exceeding  that,  which  is  now  required  to  keep  them 
in  service  ? And  last  of  all,  why  should  not  a portion  of  the 
national  revenue  be  appropriated  to  an  object,  which  so  vitally 
affects  the  rising  interests  of  our  confederacy  ^ 

Let  it  be  our  pride  to  follow,  as  far  as  the  genius  of  our 
institutions  will  permit,  the  liberal  and  high  minded  example 
of  a younger  republic.  The  Government  of  Colombia  has 
not  only  decreed,  that  ‘ all,  of  whatever  color,  are  entitled  to 
the  same  privileges  as  white  men,’  but  has  enacted  a statute 
for  the  gradual  abolition  of  slavery  within  its  own  territory,  by 
establishing  a manumission  fund,  arising  out  of  a tax  on  a 
portion  of  the  property  left  by  persons  at  their  death.  Why 
may  not  our  Congress  so  far  walk  in  the  steps  of  the  generous 
friends  of  humanity  in  Colombia,  as  to  appropriate  a reasona- 
ble amount  to  relieve  the  country  from  the  nuisance  and  terror 
of  the  free  black  population  ? Or,  should  the  argument  from 
humanity  and  this  example  be  thought  of  little  weight,  why 
should  not  such  a measure  be  prompted  by  a regard  for  tlie 
deepest  concerns  and  supreme  welfare  of  the  nation 

The  unhealthiness  of  the  climate  is  another  objection, 
usually  advanced  against  tlie  practicability  of  a settlement  in 
Africa.  In  respect  to  this,  we  beg  permission  again  to  refer 
to  the  European  colonies,  which  have  been  so  long  in  opera- 
tion. That  the  coast  of  western  Africa  is  unhealthy  to  north- 
ern constitutions,  is  not  denied  ; but  no  proof  has  been  exhibit- 
ed, that  it  is  more  so  than  other  tropical  climates,  or  even  the 
alluvial  districts  of  the  United  States.  Let  a colony  from  the 
northern  and  middle  states  be  transported  to  the  low  and 
fertile  parts  of  the  Carolinas,  or  to  the  banks  of  the  Missis- 

**  The  law  of  manumission  passed  by  the  Congress  of  Colombia,  July  19th, 
1821,  is  introduced  by  the  following  preamble  ; ‘ That,  according  to  the  eternal 
principles  of  reason,  justice,  and  the  w isest  policy,  no  republican  government, 
truly  just  and  philanthropic,  can  exist  without  seeking  to  alleviate  all  those 
classes  of  mankind,  that  are  degraded  and  unhappy ; and  that  an  object  of 
such  importance  to  the  Republic  ought  to  be  realized,  and  slavery  be  gradually- 
abolished,  so  that,  without  compromising  the  public  tranquillity,  or  affecting 
the  rights,  which  the  proprietors  really  possess,  the  freedom  of  all  the  inhabit- 
ants of  Colombia  may  in  a few  years  be  ensured.’ 


48  Practicability  of  Colonization  in  Africa. 

sippi,  in  the  warm  season,  and  the  mortality  would  be  much 
greater,  than  has  been  known  in  Africa,  even  in  the  midst  of 
the  fatal  rains.  By  Meredith,  Wadstrom,  Dr  Lind,  and 
others,  who  have  had  an  opportunity  of  being  informed,  it  is 
stated  with  confidence,  that  the  country  about  Sierra  Leone 
is  equal  in  salubrity  to  the  most  healthy  of  the  West  India 
Islands.  The  mortality  of  the  colonists  in  Africa  has  not 
been  more  alarming,  than  it  was  among  the  original  settlers  of 
New  England,  and  other  parts  of  America.  The  unusual 
sickness  of  the  first  emigrants  to  Sierra  Leone,  and  of  those 
gone  from  this  country,  depended  on  incidental  causes,  many 
of  which  have  no  necessary  connexion  with  the  climate,  and 
which  will  never  occur  to  the  same  degree,  wlren  tlie  forests 
shall  be  cleared,  the  miasmata  of  decayed  vegetation  removed, 
and  the  people  supplied  w'ith  comfortable  habitations,  and 
wholesome  food.  On  the  whole,  there  seems  no  reason  to 
suppose  western  Africa  more  unhealthy,  than  other  parts  of 
the  world,  to  which  people  have  emigrated  for  centuries,  and 
where  they  have  built  cities,  established  governments,  and 
grown  into  empires. 

The  local  situation  selected  for  our  present  colony  enjoys 
many  positive  advantages.  In  speaking  of  the  tracts  of  coun- 
try around  Cape  Monte  and  Cape  Mesurado,  Dr  Leyden 
says,  ‘ These  districts  have  been  described  by  Des  Marchais, 
Villault,  Philips,  Atkins,  Bosman,  and  Smith,  as  pleasant, 
salubrious,  and  fertile.’  Again  he  adds,  ‘ Cape  Mesurado  is 
a detached  mountain,  steep  and  elevated  towards  the  sea, 
with  a gentle  declivity  on  the  land  side.  The  adjacent  coun- 
try is  extremely  fertile,  producing  sugar  cane,  indigo,  and 
cotton,  without  cultivation.’* 

* See  Murray’s  Historical  Account  of  Discoveries  and  Travels  in  Africa, 
Vol.  II.  p.  290.  On  the  fertility  of  Africa,  and  its  advantages  for  colonization, 
Mungo  Park  writes  in  the  most  decided  and  encouraging  manner,  after  having 
seen  more  of  the  interior  than  all  other  European  travellers  besides.  ‘It  can- 
not admit  of  a doubt,’  says  he,  ‘ that  all  the  rich  and  valuable  productions,  both 
of  the  East  and  West  Indies,  might  easily  be  niituralized,  and  brought  to  the 
utmost  perfection,  in  the  tropical  parts  of  this  immense  continent.  iNothing  is 
wanting  to  this  end  but  example  to  enlighten  the  minds  of  the  natives,  and 
instruction  to  enable  them  to  direct  their  industry  to  proper  objects.  It  was 
not  possible  for  me  to  behold  the  wonderful  fertility  of  the  soil,  the  vast  herds 
of  cattle,  proper  both  for  labor  and  food,  and  a variety  of  other  circumstances 
favorable  to  colonization  and  agriculture,  and  reflect  withal  on  the  means, 
which  presented  themselves  of  a vast  inland  navigation,  without  lamenting  that 
a country,  so  abundantly  gifted  and  favored  by  nature,  should  remain  in  its 


Practicability  of  Colonization  in  Africa.  49 

No  man  is  better  acquainted  with  the  coast  of  Africa,  pro- 
bably, than  Sir  George  R.  Collier,  who  has  been  the  chief 
commander  of  the  British  squadron  stationed  there  for  three 
or  four  years.  In  his  Second  Report  to  the  British  govern- 
ment, respecting  the  settlements  in  Africa,  he  thus  alludes  to 
the  attempt  to  form  a colony  at  Sherbro.  ‘ Had  America,’ 
he  observes,  ‘ who,  excepting  Great  Britain,  appears  more  in 
earnest  than  any  other  nation,  established  her  lately  attempted 
settlement  at  Cape  Mesurado,  or  even  at  Cape  Monte,  she 
would  at  least  have  secured  a more  healthful,  and  by  far  a 
more  convenient  spot,  than  her  late  ill  chosen  one  in  the 
Sherbro.  And  an  establishment  by  America,  either  at  Cape 
Monte,  or  Cape  Mesurado,  would  have  afforded  to  the  friends 
of  humanity  the  most  rational  hopes,  that  in  the  immediate 
neighborhood  of  the  American  colony  the  demand  for  slaves 
would  have  been  checked,  and  thus  a settlement  would  have 
been  formed,  useful  to  the  purposes  of  civilization ; and  from 
its  actual,  though  distant  intercourse  with  the  frontiers  of 
Gaman  and  Ashantee,  have  opened  the  line  of  lucrative  spe- 
culation to  the  American  merchant,  and  with  the  additional 
advantage  of  doing  so  without  interfering  in  any  way  with  the 
prosperity  of  the  British  Colony  of  Sierra  Leone.’  These 
remarks  are  of  more  practical  value,  than  volumes  of  specu- 
lations penned  in  this  country,  founded  on  conjecture,  or 
deduced  from  abstract  principles.  They  are  from  a person, 
who  enjoyed  the  best  opportunities  for  observation,  repeatedly 
traversed  the  coast,  and  whose  business  it  was  to  supply  his 
government  with  accurate  knowledge.  On  this,  testimony, 
connected  with  that  of  our  own  agents,  we  are  willing  to  rest, 
and  are  satisfied  with  the  conviction,  that  Mesurado  affords 
all  the  requisite  facilities  for  building  up  an  establishment, 
which  ought  to  receive  the  cordial  support  of  every  friend  of 
his  species,  every  lover  of  right  and  freedom,  and  every  sin- 
cere patriot  in  this  country. 

The  formidable  encroachment,  which  the  present  article 
has  already  made  on  our  accustomed  limits,  compels  us  to 

present  savage  and  neglected  state.  Much  more  did  I lament,  that  a people 
of  manners  so  gentle  and  benevolent  should  either  be  left  as  they  now  are, 
immersed  in  the  gross  and  uncomfortable  blindness  of  pagan  superstition,  or 
permitted  to  become  converts  to  a system  of  bigotry  and  fanaticism,  which, 
without  enlightening  the  mind,  often  debases  the  heart.’  Park's  Travels, 
.American  edition,  p.  227. 


7 


50  Practicability  of  Colonization  in  Jlfrica. 

desist  from  several  remarks  intended  for  tliis  part  of  die  sub- 
ject. We  trust,  that  from  what  has  been  said,  our  readers 
will  be  enabled  to  an’ive  at  a just  understanding  of  the  histo- 
ry and  objects  of  the  Colonization  Society,  the  practicability 
of  these  objects,  and  the  methods  by  which  they  may  be 
attained.  Much  more  might  be  added  to  illustrate  this  last 
topic,  both  in  regard  to  the  local  circumstances  of  the  colony 
at  Mesurado,  and  to  the  means  employed  at  home  to  supply 
it  with  emigrants ; but  the  view  we  have  taken  is  enough,  we 
think,  to  justify  us  in  the  belief,  that  the  plan  in  its  outlines 
is  well  conceived,  and  wants  only  the  vigorous  cooperation 
of  the  public  to  make  it  entirely  successful. 

We  should  be  glad,  also,  if  we  had  room,  to  press  a few 
of  the  reasons,  why  the  particular  attention  of  our  national 
legislature  is  demanded  to  this  colony,  and  to  urge  the  im- 
portance of  its  being  taken  wholly  under  the  charge  and 
jurisdiction  of  the  government.  In  regard  to  what  is  called 
the  constitutional  question,  whether  the  United  States  have 
power  to  establish  such  a colony,  we  know  not  in  what  it 
differs  from  the  question,  whether  they  have  power  to  put 
their  own  laws  in  execution,  or  take  the  only  efficient  mea- 
sures to  suppress  an  evil,  whose  contagion  is  daily  spreading, 
and  which  threatens  a more  serious  calamity  than  any  other 
to  our  national  prosperity,  if  not  to  our  political  being.  It 
would  be  strange,  indeed,  if  it  should  be  made  plain  to  our 
legislators,  that  the  constitution  stops  their  ears  to  the  cries  of 
humanity,  ties  their  hands  from  the  work  of  benevolence,  and 
compels  them  to  nurture  the  seeds  and  foster  the  growth  of 
our  own  destruction.  And  it  comes  to  this,  if  they  have  not 
power  to  establish  a colony  abroad  to  receive  the  free  blacks ; 
for  we  hold  it  to  be  a position,  as  firmly  grounded  as  any  law 
in  nature  or  society,  that  our  black  population  can  never  be 
drawn  off,  except  through  the  medium  of  such  an  estabhsh- 
ment.  Let  us  denominate  our  colony  a Territory,  if  we  will, 
and  then  it  will  not  differ  from  our  other  Territories,  except 
in  being  separated  from  the  confederated  States  by  an  ocean, 
instead  of  a river,  or  lake.  A voyage  from  Washington  to 
Mesurado  can  be  performed  as  quick  as  to  the  Falls  of  St 
Anthony,  or  the  Saut  of  St  Mary,  and  much  quicker  tlian  to 
the  Mandan  Villages. 


51 


Practicability  of  Colonization  in  Africa. 

The  expediency  of  such  a territory  is  to  be  settled,  per- 
haps, on  other  principles,  but  it  would  hardly  seem  possible 
for  a division  to  exist  on  this  point.  The  advantages  to  this 
country  of  a colony  in  Africa,  under  tlie  patronage  of  the 
government,  are  not  to  be  calculated  ; and  it  needs  not  be 
reckoned  among  its  least  recommendations,  that  it  would 
hold  out  the  prospect  of  removing,  in  a good  degree,  the 
causes  of  the  present  differences  between  the  governments 
of  the  United  States  and  Great  Britain,  concerning  mixed 
commission  courts,  and  the  mutual  privilege  of  search  on  the 
coast  of  Africa.  It  may  be  added,  moreover,  that  should 
the  colony  be  taken  into  the  bands  of  the  government,  it  will 
enable  Virginia  to  pursue  her  long  meditated  plan  of  provid- 
ing for  the  colonization  of  her  free  blacks.  It  is  but  reason- 
able to  suppose,  also,  that  other  states  would  follow  the 
example,  especially  those,  which  have  already,  by  a vote  of 
their  legislatures,  approved  the  scheme  of  the  Colonization 
Society.  They  might  act  with  a confidence  and  security, 
which  they  cannot  feel  in  a private  body,  however  strong  in 
its  numbers,  or  fortunate  in  its  operations. 

But  we  do  not  mean  to  encourage  the  Society  in  any 
relaxation  of  duty,  by  thus  proposing  to  take  away  its  most 
oppressive  burden.  We  would  excuse  it  from  the  trouble- 
some, if  not  impracticable  task  of  controlling  and  governing 
the  colony,  but  we  would  have  all  its  energy,  its  zeal,  and  its 
resources  employed  in  carrying  forward  the  grand  object. 
This  can  be  done  in  a more  efficient  manner,  by  acting  in 
concert  with  the  government ; every  weight  thrown  into  the 
scale  will  then  be  felt  in  its  full  force. 

The  Society  may  watch  over  the  execution  of  the  laws, 
keep  an  eye  on  abuses,  and  communicate  to  the  government 
valuable  intelligence,  which  it  would  not  derive  from  any 
other  source.  In  the  year  1807,  shortly  after  the  abolition 
act  was  passed  in  England,  the  African  Institution  was  formed, 
with  the  avowed  object  of  affording  all  possible  aids  to  the 
full  operation  of  that  act.  To  this  end  it  has  been  of  essen- 
tial service,  by  taking  cognizance  of  events,  disseminating  a 
knowledge  of  African  affairs,  and  occasionally  presenting 
memorials  to  Parliament,  or  addresses  to  the  King,  calling 
their  attention  to  particular  subjects,  which  the  inquiries  and 
experience  of  the  Institution  proved  to  them  demanded 


52  Practicability  of  Colonization  in  Africa. 

additional  legislation,  or  more  vigorous  executive  measures. 
The  Annual  Reports  of  the  Institution  have  sent  out  a fund 
of  information,  which  has  equally  enlightened  the  public 
mind,  and  given  a tone  to  public  sentiment.  The  attention 
of  the  Colonization  Society  may  be  profitably  turned  into 
similar  channels. 

Another  object,  which  may  prove  beneficial  to  the  plan  of 
colonization,  is  that  of  promoting  travels  and  discoveries  in 
the  interior  of  Africa.  Thirty  six  years  ago  the  African 
Association  was  organized  in  London  for  this  purpose,  and 
almost  all  the  knowledge  of  interior  Africa,  which  has  since 
come  to  light,  has  been  derived  through  the  agency  of  this 
Association.  Our  enterprising  countryman,  John  Ledyard, 
was  the  first  person  employed  in  its  service.  He  embarked 
in  the  undertaking  with  an  enthusiasm  and  perseverance 
peculiar  to  himself  alone,  and  which  had  previously  carried 
him  through  many  perils  and  sufferings  to  every  quarter  of 
the  globe  ; but  he  found  an  untimely  grave  in  Egypt,  when 
he  was  on  the  point  of  starting  in  a caravan  for  Nubia.  The 
interesting  and  valuable  discoveries  of  Hornemann  and  Park 
were  made  under  the  authority  of  the  same  Association. 
Let  our  Society  send  persons  to  explore  the  Mesurado  river, 
or  to  engage  in  any  other  expeditions  of  discovery,  from 
which  the  colony  can  be  benefited,  or  the  cause  of  African 
civilization  advanced. 

Schools  ought  also  to  be  established,  both  in  this  country 
and  in  Africa,  for  the  instruction  of  free  persons  of  color, 
recaptured  negroes,  and  natives.  It  is  desirable,  that  there 
should  be  at  least  one  institution  in  the  United  States,  de- 
signed exclusively  for  an  African  education,  where  youths 
may  be  taught  with  the  express  view  of  going  to  Africa,  and 
where  young  natives,  whom  their  parents  may  suffer  to  come 
away,  shall  be  looked  after  and  educated.  The  auxiliary 
societies,  scattered  over  the  country,  will  be  enabled  to  select 
the  best  subjects  for  such  a school  from  among  the  families 
of  those,  who  may  be  inchned  to  emigrate,  and  each  auxi- 
liary society  may  engage  to  support  such  persons  as  it  shall 
send. 

To  the  common  elementary  branches  of  knowledge,  might 
be  added  the  history  and  geography  of  Africa,  the  laws  and 
customs  of  the  people,  accounts  of  the  climate,  soil,  and 


53 


Practicability  of  Colonization  in  Africa. 

trade,  and  whatever  else  should  qualify  the  pupil  for  enter- 
ing on  his  new  sphere  to  the  best  advantage  to  himself  and  the 
community,  in  the  capacity  in  which  he  shall  be  destined  to 
act.  Schools  of  the  same  kind  may  be  set  up  in  the  colony, 
with  a course  of  instruction  adapted  to  circumstances.  The 
humbler  and  more  useful  arts  of  life  may  be  taught  to  the 
natives,  who  may  be  induced  to  attend  the  schools.  The 
most  promising  of  the  colonists  may  learn  some  of  the 
languages  of  the  interior,  which  shall  fit  them  for  greater 
influence  and  usefulness.  Religious  instruction  may  be  in- 
culcated, churches  built,  and  preachers  supported.  In  short, 
the  Colonization  Society  will  never  want  employment  for  its 
means  and  strength,  nor  meet  with  any  obstructions  to  the 
fullest  exercise  of  its  benevolence  and  activity,  although  it 
shall  relinquish  the  arduous  and  embarrassing  task  of  holding 
supreme  direction  over  the  colony. 

While  writing  the  above,  we  have  been  gratified  to  see 
accounts  of  new  auxiliary  societies  springing  up  in  different 
parts  of  the  country,  and  especially  one  at  Richmond,  Virgi- 
nia, with  the  venerable  Chief  Justice  Marshall  at  its  head. 
The  sanction  of  such  a name  may  well  confirm  the  confi- 
dence of  the  steady  advocates  for  colonization,  and  commu- 
nicate a quickening  power  to  the  tardy  zeal  of  the  wavering. 
When,  in  addition  to  this,  we  reflect  on  the  unqualified  ap- 
probation with  which  the  present  Chief  Magistrate  of  the 
nation  has  uniformly  regarded  the  designs  of  the  Coloni- 
zation Society,  the  number  of  distinguished  persons  found 
among  its  active  patrons,  and  the  progress  it  has  made  under 
an  accumulation  of  discouraging  circumstances,  we  can  hard- 
ly desire  a stronger  testimony  to  the  importance  of  its  objects, 
or  a more  auspicious  presage  of  its  ultimate  success. 


li 


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